Summary:
Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google and Samsung, alleging that the tech giants have coordinated to block third-party competition in application distribution on Samsung devices. The lawsuit targets Samsung's "Auto Blocker" feature, which prevents the installation of applications from unauthorized sources.
A long-standing debate over app distribution has taken a dramatic turn with Epic Games' latest lawsuit against Google and Samsung. At the heart of the issue is Samsung's "Auto Blocker" feature, which has been accused of stifling competition in application distribution on Samsung devices. The tech giants have denied any wrongdoing, claiming that their features are designed to enhance security, privacy, and user control.
The Auto Blocker Feature
Samsung's "Auto Blocker" feature is a tool that prevents the installation of applications from unauthorized sources, such as third-party app stores. The feature is turned on by default but can be changed in a phone's settings. According to Samsung, the tool blocks "malicious activity" and ensures that only trusted apps are installed on devices.
Epic Games has taken issue with this feature, claiming that it was intentionally crafted in coordination with Google to preemptively undermine the jury's verdict in Epic's first antitrust lawsuit against Google. The game maker argues that the Auto Blocker feature is a clear attempt by Google and Samsung to entrench their dominance over Android app distribution.
1. Epic Games' Lawsuit Against Google and Samsung
Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google and Samsung, alleging that the tech giants have coordinated to block third-party competition in application distribution on Samsung devices. The lawsuit targets Samsung's "Auto Blocker" feature, which prevents the installation of applications from unauthorized sources.
Epic Games claims that the Auto Blocker feature was intentionally crafted in coordination with Google to preemptively undermine the jury's verdict in Epic's first antitrust lawsuit against Google. The game maker argues that this feature is a clear attempt by Google and Samsung to entrench their dominance over Android app distribution.
2. The Impact on Competition
Epic Games' lawsuit highlights the issue of competition in application distribution. The company claims that the Auto Blocker feature makes it extremely difficult for third-party app stores, like Epic's own store, to compete with Google and Samsung's official stores.
The game maker argues that this stifles innovation and choice for consumers, as they are forced to rely on only a few authorized sources for their apps. Epic Games claims that this is anticompetitive behavior, which should be addressed by regulatory bodies.
3. The Tech Giants' Response
Google and Samsung have responded to the lawsuit, denying any wrongdoing. Google stated that it "actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly." Samsung also defended its feature, saying that it was designed with security, privacy, and user control in mind.
4. Epic Games' Fight for Competition
Epic Games has been at the forefront of a push for greater competition in app distribution. The company's own app store was launched on iPhones in the European Union and on Android devices worldwide in August. However, the game maker claims that it now takes an exceptionally onerous 21-step process to download a third-party app outside of the Google Play Store or the Samsung Galaxy Store.
Epic Games' CEO Tim Sweeney has spoken out against the Auto Blocker feature, saying that it is "literally no store can compete with the incumbents when disadvantaged in this way." The game maker argues that for true competition to exist, all reputable stores and apps must be free to compete on a level playing field.