Judge Asks Google To Open Google Play Access For Competitors

Google Play illustration (photo: Google)

JAKARTA - After a very long war, a Federal Judge, James Donato, has issued the final verdict of the dispute between Epic Games and Google.

In the decision, Donato ordered Google to open its app store for competitors and give Android users more options in terms of downloading the app.

In addition, he also detailed how Google should change how to operate Google Play. Where according to the ruling, Google is not allowed to pay developers to launch their app exclusively on Google Play from November 1 over the next three years.

The company also cannot force developers to use the Google Play billing system and must allow them to notify users of other payment methods.

Finally, Google must also allow third-party Android app stores to be able to access the Google Play Store application catalog and must provide third-party apps in its app store.

In response to this decision, Google plans to file an appeal, and states that Android and iOS compete in the same market, both in terms of consumers and developers.

Google feels the judge's decision contradicts other court decisions rejecting similar claims against Apple, although Android is an open platform that allows flexibility such as alternative app stores and sideloading.

Google emphasizes that Android, as an open platform, offers many app distribution options, not limited to Google Play.

According to Google, the changes Epic has asked for will weaken Android in competing with Apple, reducing choice, and increasing prices for consumers.