Judge Orders Google to Facilitate Installation of Third-Party App Stores
A federal judge in California made a significant ruling this week regarding Google’s practices related to third-party Android app stores. The judge stated that Google must cease creating obstacles for consumers looking to install third-party app stores, citing the use of “anticompetitive friction” by the tech giant.
The ruling comes amidst an ongoing legal battle between Google and Epic Games, with Epic Games accusing Google of impeding access to third-party app stores and non-Google payment methods, and acting as a monopoly.
Installing a third-party Android app store, such as Aptoide Games, has not been a seamless process. Users searching for these stores on the Play Store encounter multiple steps before being able to install the desired app. The extra steps were deemed “anticompetitive friction” by Judge James Donato, who ordered Google to streamline the process by removing unnecessary barriers.
Previously, users had to resort to sideloading to install third-party app stores, but a ruling in July mandated Google to allow downloads from the Play Store. However, Epic Games raised concerns that Google added complexities to the process, making it harder for users to find and install third-party app stores.
As per the ruling, Google must now make it easier for users to discover and install third-party app stores directly from the Play Store, eliminating unnecessary steps and ensuring a more user-friendly experience.
