NewApp Digest
search bot

regulatory affairs

Google experts tell the US DOJ selling its ad tech business would be impossible
AppWizard
November 24, 2025

Google experts tell the US DOJ selling its ad tech business would be impossible

Closing arguments in the remedies trial concerning the U.S. Department of Justice's case against Google's advertising technology business concluded on November 21. A federal judge is deliberating on how to address Google's two identified monopolies in this sector, following a ruling in April 2025 that declared Google holds two illegal monopolies within the advertising technology realm. The DOJ is advocating for the divestiture of Google's ad marketplace platform, AdX, which Google argues may present significant technological challenges. Judge Leonie Brinkema has acknowledged the urgency of the situation while recognizing the complexities introduced by Google's anticipated appeals. Google has presented expert testimonies highlighting the difficulties of breaking up its ad tech business, while the DOJ argues that such a breakup is necessary for a more competitive environment. The court's decision could have broader implications for the advertising technology landscape and digital competition.
Google Tells Supreme Court Changes to App Store Would Cause ‘Irreparable Harm’
AppWizard
September 26, 2025

Google Tells Supreme Court Changes to App Store Would Cause ‘Irreparable Harm’

On September 24, Google requested the U.S. Supreme Court to pause a lower court's ruling that requires changes to its app store policies, citing concerns about "irreparable harm" to itself and the Android ecosystem. This ruling, stemming from an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games, mandates that the Google Play store eliminate restrictions preventing developers from creating their own marketplaces and billing systems, with the order set to take effect on October 22. Epic Games argues that Google's practices monopolize app access and in-app payments on Android devices. A jury found in December 2023 that Google held a monopoly in the Android app distribution and payments market. A judge's ruling in October 2024 requires Google to implement policy changes, including prohibiting exclusive developer agreements, allowing developers to inform consumers about direct downloads, stopping mandatory use of its billing features, and granting rival app stores access to Google's catalog. Google's appeal against the ruling was unsuccessful, and the company expressed concerns about user safety and innovation in the Android ecosystem.
Google ordered to open Android app store after losing Epic Games appeal
AppWizard
August 1, 2025

Google ordered to open Android app store after losing Epic Games appeal

Google has faced a setback in its legal battle with Epic Games as the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld a ruling requiring Google to revise its app store policies. This decision mandates the removal of restrictions that prevent developers from creating competing marketplaces and billing systems on Android. Judge Margaret McKeown noted that antitrust remedies may require limitations on lawful business practices to address anticompetitive behavior. Google expressed concerns about the ruling's implications for user safety and innovation, emphasizing its commitment to protecting users and developers. Following the ruling, Alphabet's shares fell over 2% due to investor concerns about its business model.
Google lost its antitrust case with Fortnite maker Epic Games, again
AppWizard
August 1, 2025

Google lost its antitrust case with Fortnite maker Epic Games, again

Google is required to provide alternatives to its Google Play store for app downloads on Android devices, following a ruling that upheld a jury verdict declaring Google's app store and payment systems as illegal monopolies. This decision is seen as a victory for Epic Games, which argued that Google imposed restrictive policies and engaged in anticompetitive practices. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that Google must allow competition in its app store, potentially opening the Android platform to third-party app stores. Google plans to appeal the decision, which may lead to significant changes in app distribution on Android devices. Additionally, a federal judge is expected to rule on necessary changes to Google's online search business due to findings of illegal monopolization in the search and advertising markets.
Alphabet’s 2.32% Drop and $5.36B Volume Rank 14th as Legal Ruling Mandates Android App Store Overhaul
AppWizard
August 1, 2025

Alphabet’s 2.32% Drop and $5.36B Volume Rank 14th as Legal Ruling Mandates Android App Store Overhaul

On July 31, Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) declined by 2.32% with a trading volume of 0.36 billion, making it the 14th most liquid stock. This decline followed a ruling by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld a federal court decision requiring Google to change its Android app store policies to allow third-party app stores and alternative payment systems. The court rejected Google's arguments against the ruling, which was initially based on findings of anticompetitive practices. Google plans to appeal the decision, while Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called it a "total victory" and plans to launch the Epic Games Store on Android. The court also dismissed Google's defense regarding competition with Apple's app store. Separately, a strategy of acquiring the top 500 stocks by daily trading volume for one day yielded a return of 166.71% from 2022 to the present, significantly outperforming the benchmark return of 29.18%.
Google loses app store antitrust appeal, must make sweeping changes to Play Store
AppWizard
July 31, 2025

Google loses app store antitrust appeal, must make sweeping changes to Play Store

Epic Games initiated a legal dispute against Google and Apple over a 30 percent sales commission. A ruling by Judge Margaret McKeown upheld a jury's verdict, confirming antitrust violations by Google and supporting an injunction to change app distribution practices. The ruling indicates that Google's anticompetitive behavior has solidified its market dominance. Google is considering appealing to the US Supreme Court but has secured a suspension of a 2024 order during the appeal process. The ruling requires Google to stop enforcing its Play billing system, allow third-party payment options, and make its Play Store catalog available through alternative app stores. Additionally, Google must permit third-party app stores within its Play environment. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney announced plans to launch the Epic Games Store on Google Play following the ruling.
Google appeals ruling regarding third-party app stores on Google Play
AppWizard
October 11, 2024

Google appeals ruling regarding third-party app stores on Google Play

Google has filed an appeal against a ruling by Judge Donato that requires the company to allow developers to list their own app stores within the Google Play Store. This ruling is a result of a lawsuit initiated by Epic Games in 2020. Currently, while Android users can access third-party app stores through sideloading, these options are not available directly via the Google Play Store. The ruling is set to take effect on November 1, 2024, and will remain in place until November 1, 2027. Google has expressed concerns about the potential risks to consumer privacy and security, as well as the impact on developers and competition.
Search