A US federal judge has determined that Google must permit Android apps from competing tech companies to be listed on its Google Play app store for three years, starting next month.
This decision was part of several measures mandated by Judge James Donato in a case filed by Epic Games, the creator of the popular video game Fortnite.
Google plans to appeal the ruling and seek a delay on the proposed changes.
In December, a jury ruled in favor of Epic, which claims that Google has hindered competition by controlling app distribution and payment processes on Android devices.
Google stated that these changes could compromise consumer privacy and security, complicate app promotion for developers, and diminish competition on devices.
Legal experts have praised the ruling as a significant challenge to the power of major tech companies.
Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School, noted, "It demonstrates that courts are not necessarily against requiring dominant platforms to provide access to competitors for the sake of competition."
Among other measures, the ruling requires Google to make its app catalog accessible to rival app stores.
Mark Lemley, a Stanford Law School professor, remarked, "This isn't something antitrust law usually mandates, but the judge rightly pointed out that after violating antitrust laws, courts can require actions to rectify the harm caused, even if those actions weren't initially required."
Google contended that its Play app store functions in a competitive environment, referencing competition with Apple, which Epic Games also sued in 2020.
That case concluded with an appeals court ruling that Apple does not hold a monopoly in mobile gaming.
Monday's ruling represents another legal setback for Google regarding competition issues.
In August, US District Judge Amit Mehta sided with the US Department of Justice, which accused Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online search.
Last month, District Judge Leonie Brinkema concluded hearing arguments regarding similar government claims that Google dominates the advertising technology sector.
Critics argue that Google's fees of up to 30% on transactions in its app store have led to increased consumer prices.
Lee Hepner, Senior Legal Counsel at the American Economic Liberties Project, stated, "That rate was possible because they were a monopoly," adding that the ruling is likely to change this dynamic.
He believes, "There will be much more motivation for developers to enter this market, leading to lower prices for consumers."
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