Google is required to significantly alter its mobile app business to provide Android users with greater freedom in downloading apps and making in-app purchases. U.S. Judge James Donato’s ruling mandates that Google permit downloads from third-party app stores and the use of alternative payment methods, following a legal win for Epic Games.
Additionally, Google is barred from pre-installing its Play Store on Android devices or incentivizing manufacturers to do so. Following the ruling, Google’s shares dropped, and the company plans to appeal the decision and may seek a stay of the order during the appeal process. If upheld, the changes will take effect in November.
This ruling adds to Google’s ongoing legal challenges, as the company faces allegations of anti-competitive behavior in various areas, including web search, app distribution, and advertising technology.