A US federal judge has ruled that Google must allow Android apps made by rival technology firms onto its Google Play app store for three years starting next month. This decision comes as a result of a case brought against Google by Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, which accused Google of stifling competition by controlling app distribution and payments on Android phones. Google plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that the changes could compromise consumer privacy and security, hinder app promotion for developers, and reduce competition on devices.
Legal experts see this ruling as a significant challenge to the dominance of big tech companies. The ruling also requires Google to make its app catalogue available to competing app stores, a move that may help level the playing field in the app market. Additionally, the decision has the potential to lower prices for consumers, as it may encourage more developers to enter the market. This ruling marks another setback for Google in legal battles related to competition practices, signaling a potential shift in the tech industry landscape.
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