In a landmark move on Tuesday, Alphabet's Google and 'Fortnite' creator Epic Games revealed a proposed settlement in the long-running US antitrust case over the Android app store. The deal, which requires approval from US District Judge James Donato, aims to lower fees, boost competition and expand options for developers and consumers.
Epic's 2020 lawsuit accused Google of monopolizing how users access apps and make in-app purchases on Android devices. Google has consistently denied any wrongdoing. After a 2023 jury verdict in Epic's favor and an injunction mandating Play Store reforms, both sides returned to the negotiating table to find common ground.
Under the proposal, Android users could more easily discover, download and install third-party app stores that meet new security and safety standards. Developers would gain the freedom to direct users to alternative payment methods both inside apps and via external web links. Google plans to cap service fees at either 9 percent or 20 percent on transactions in Play-distributed apps that use these options.
Sameer Samat, president of Google's Android Ecosystem, said the changes strike a balance between user safety and developer flexibility. 'We look forward to discussing this resolution with Judge Donato,' Samat added at a hearing in San Francisco.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney praised the plan as 'awesome,' noting it 'genuinely doubles down on Android's original vision as an open platform.' Judge Donato is slated to review the proposal at a scheduled hearing on Thursday in San Francisco, marking the next step in this high-profile showdown.
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Google proposes app store reforms in settlement with 'Fortnite' maker
cgtn.com
