Epic Games has initiated legal action against Google and Samsung for allegedly breaching antitrust laws in connection to phone settings. The video game developer alleges that both tech giants conspired to restrict third-party competition in app distribution on Samsung devices.
The focal point of the lawsuit is Samsung’s “Auto Blocker” feature, which exclusively permits apps from approved sources like the Samsung Galaxy Store or Google Play Store to be downloaded. This feature is activated by default but can be altered in a phone’s settings. Samsung asserts that the tool hinders the installation of apps from unauthorised sources and prevents “malicious activity.”
In a lawsuit filed in a San Francisco federal court — marking Epic’s second legal action against Google — the company argues that Auto Blocker is likely to entrench Google’s dominance in Android app distribution. Epic Games filed the suit to prevent Google from undermining competition in the Android App Distribution Market, as stated in the complaint.
Epic Games, renowned for developing the popular game “Fortnite,” emphasises the importance of maintaining a level playing field for all reputable stores and apps to compete fairly. The company launched its Epic Games Store on iPhones across the EU and on Android devices globally in August. Epic claims that the current process to download third-party apps outside of Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store is cumbersome.
Google has yet to respond to the allegations, whereas Samsung has affirmed its commitment to fostering market competition, enhancing consumer choice, and conducting operations fairly. Samsung also maintains that users have the option to disable the Auto Blocker feature at any time and asserts that it will vigorously contest Epic Game’s claims.
Epic Games previously won an antitrust lawsuit against Google in December, with the jury concluding that Google’s practice of protecting its Android app store through anti-competitive barriers had harmed smartphone consumers and software developers. Epic Games contends that the Auto Blocker feature was strategically designed in coordination with Google to undermine the jury’s previous verdict.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has highlighted the necessity for all stores and apps to compete on an equal footing to ensure genuine competition in the market. The ongoing legal battle between Epic Games, Google, and Samsung underscores the significance of fair competition in the tech industry.