Google Challenges Epic's Proposed Reforms to Play Store Policies

Google has formally expressed its opposition to Epic Games' recent request for the court to implement various changes to the Google Play store's policies and payment system. The move comes after Epic filed an injunction last month seeking to allow third-party app stores on Google Play for six years and enable users to transfer their app libraries. Google's filing, as reported by Reuters, outlines over a dozen objections to Epic's proposal. The company argues that Epic's suggested changes do not align with the public interest, and that Epic is seeking undue remedies. Google also claims that implementing these changes would significantly hinder its ability to compete in the mobile market. In its filing, Google's legal counsel stated that Epic is seeking a 'new global regulatory regime' that would set prices, impose ongoing obligations, and require the court to constantly oversee a complex ecosystem used by billions of consumers and millions of app developers. Google asserts that Epic's proposed injunction would benefit Epic at the expense of other developers and Original Equipment Manufacturers, while also compromising the security and privacy of Android users. The company further argues that a related settlement, endorsed by all 50 US states, already addresses the alleged anticompetitive conduct and effects presented by Epic during the trial. A hearing on the proposed injunction is scheduled for May 23. The dispute between the two companies originated from Epic Games' decision to enable direct payments for virtual currency in Fortnite, bypassing Google's 30% commission fee. The issue escalated into a jury trial, which ruled in favor of Epic Games and declared Google Play an illegal monopoly.