A Judge Orders Google to Make Rival App Stores Easier to Access
A judge has instructed Google to remove unnecessary steps and screens that hinder users from installing apps from competing app stores on Android devices. This comes after a compliance check following a previous court ruling that found Google in possession of an illegal monopoly over Android apps.
Judge James Donato ordered Google to simplify the process of accessing third-party Android app stores within a week. The hearing, held on August 13th in San Francisco, revealed issues with Google Play’s search functionality and installation process for alternative app stores.
During the hearing, Epic’s lawyer, Yonatan Even, searched for "store for apps" on Google Play, only to find physical store options instead of third-party app stores. Judge Donato expressed concern, stating, "That’s not good." He ordered Google to ensure every possible variation of search phrases is properly displayed.
The installation process was also a point of contention. Currently, users must press a "View" button before an "Install" button appears when trying to install a third-party store, which is not the standard for ordinary apps. Judge Donato directed Google to modify this flow, making third-party stores more accessible, with the "Install" button taking precedence.
Furthermore, Donato criticized the interstitial banner that pops up, asking if the user is looking for something else, describing it as "friction… that has no purpose whatsoever." He argued that these extra steps are deliberate anticompetitive measures meant to deter users from discovering and installing rival app stores.
Google had previously stated that these friction points protect users and device security by requiring explicit permissions during the installation process. However, the court sided with Epic, emphasizing that safety should not be used as a shield for maintaining market dominance.
Google has until August 20th to implement the changes. The company has not indicated whether they will appeal any part of the ruling.