Epic Games' Sweeping Demands for Google's Play Store and Billing System

Following its landmark victory against Google in the antitrust lawsuit, Epic Games has outlined a comprehensive set of demands aimed at restructuring the way the tech giant operates its Google Play Store and billing system for Android apps.

• Epic Games is seeking a court order that would compel Google to make significant changes to its practices, potentially opening up the Android ecosystem to greater competition from third-party app stores and alternative billing systems.
• The proposed injunction, if granted, would require Google to allow users to download apps from third-party app stores with just a single tap, without any additional friction or warnings beyond potential malware checks.
• Epic Games wants Google to grant equal access to Android APIs for all developers, regardless of whether they use the Google Play Store or not.

Preventing Anti-Competitive Practices

Epic Games is seeking to eliminate various practices that it considers anti-competitive and unfair for developers and consumers.

• Google would be barred from signing exclusivity deals or "most-favored-nation" clauses that require developers to offer the same prices, release dates, and content on Google Play as other platforms.
• The proposed injunction aims to stop Google from tying access to other Google products and services to the use of the Google Play Store.
• Google would be prohibited from sharing Google Play revenues with carriers or phone makers, as well as from imposing restrictions on where carriers and phone makers can place third-party app stores on their devices.

Enabling Third-Party App Stores and Billing Systems

A key aspect of Epic Games' proposal is to give third-party app stores and billing systems equal footing with Google's offerings.

• Epic Games wants Google to allow third-party app stores access to the Google Play Store's catalog of apps for six years, enabling users to update apps through these alternative stores.
• Additionally, Epic Games seeks to have third-party app stores listed within the Google Play Store itself for six years, without any fees.
• Developers would be free to use alternative payment solutions without being forced to use Google Play Billing or the controversial "User Choice Billing" option.
• Google would be prohibited from discriminating against or retaliating against any app or developer for choosing to use alternative billing systems.

Compliance and Oversight

To ensure adherence to the proposed injunction, Epic Games has suggested the establishment of a compliance committee and regular reporting to the court.

• Google would be required to create a compliance committee with at least three members from its board of directors who are not current or former Google employees.
• A compliance officer would be tasked with reporting to the court annually on Google's compliance with the injunction.

The Road Ahead

While Epic Games has outlined its desired remedies, the process is far from over. Google will have the opportunity to file its response by May 2nd, and a hearing is scheduled for May 23rd, where experts from both sides will present their arguments. Additionally, Google has indicated its intention to appeal the verdict, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle.

Impact on the Tech Industry and Consumers

If Epic Games' proposed injunction is granted in its entirety, it would fundamentally reshape the Android app ecosystem and tech monopolies. Consumers could potentially benefit from more options, increased competition, and lower prices, while developers may gain greater control over their apps and billing practices. However, concerns have been raised about potential security risks associated with sideloading apps and the potential impact on Google's business model.

Conclusion

The Epic Games vs. Google antitrust lawsuit has significant implications for the tech industry and consumers alike. Epic Games' far-reaching demands aim to level the playing field for third-party app stores and billing systems, challenging Google's dominance in the Android ecosystem. While the outcome remains uncertain, the case has brought renewed attention to issues surrounding tech monopolies, app distribution, and consumer choice.