Epic Games sues Google, and Samsung over alleged collusion in App distribution.
Game developer Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against tech giants Google and Samsung, accusing them of collaborating to block third-party competition in app installation on Samsung devices.
The lawsuit targets Samsung’s ‘Auto Blocker’ feature which allows installation only from authorized app stores like Google Play by default. Epic argues this entrenches Google’s Android app dominance.
According to Epic, bypassing Auto Blocker and Google’s installation process requires an “exceptionally onerous 21-step process”.
While Google and Samsung claim the feature ensures security and user choice, Epic alleges it was designed after their previous antitrust win against Google to undermine a level playing field.
Samsung maintains users can disable Auto Blocker and that it aims to foster fair competition and consumer choice. Google is yet to comment.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney stated no other store can compete when disadvantaged in this manner and true competition requires equal footing for reputable apps and stores.
Having launched its store on Android and iOS recently, Epic argues that coordination denies competition and hurts developers and consumers. It seeks to prevent Google from negating antitrust progress.
