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UK class action that alleges Steam overcharges consumers and controls PC game prices marches on
AppWizard
January 28, 2026

UK class action that alleges Steam overcharges consumers and controls PC game prices marches on

The Competition Appeal Tribunal in London has authorized a class action lawsuit against Valve Corporation, which alleges anti-consumer practices related to overcharging British customers and manipulating PC game prices on its Steam platform. The claims in the lawsuit exceed £100 million, and the tribunal's unanimous decision allows the case to proceed through the UK legal system. Valve's attempt to dismiss the class action was unsuccessful, and a trial date has not yet been set. Valve has not publicly commented on the proceedings.
CCP-Controlled Messaging App WeChat Used for ‘Coordination Among Chinese Criminal Networks’ in US, Sen Lankford Writes to Trump
AppWizard
January 27, 2026

CCP-Controlled Messaging App WeChat Used for ‘Coordination Among Chinese Criminal Networks’ in US, Sen Lankford Writes to Trump

Senator James Lankford has requested the White House to consider banning WeChat from U.S. app stores due to concerns about its use by Chinese criminal organizations for activities like drug trafficking and money laundering. WeChat, owned by Tencent Holdings Ltd., has been identified as a key tool for coordinating these criminal networks. U.S. law enforcement currently lacks access to WeChat's encrypted communications, complicating investigations. This request follows a previous attempt by the Trump administration to ban WeChat, which was deemed unconstitutional. The Biden administration has since conducted a national security assessment and enacted the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which allows the president to blacklist Chinese applications like WeChat. The Pentagon has already blacklisted Tencent for its ties to Chinese military companies. Recent criminal activities linked to WeChat include a case where a Chinese national was charged with murder on an illegal marijuana farm. Lankford urges the designation of WeChat as a "covered company" to enhance U.S. national security and assist law enforcement against Chinese criminal networks.
Microsoft backs court injunction against Google
AppWizard
January 26, 2026

Microsoft backs court injunction against Google

Microsoft has filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging a federal court to maintain an injunction against Google, which requires the company to dismantle its alleged monopoly in the Android apps market, particularly regarding payment practices. This injunction stems from Epic Games' lawsuit against Google, initiated in 2020. On January 16, Microsoft submitted its brief ahead of a court hearing where Google and Epic are seeking modifications to a permanent injunction issued in October 2024. The proposed changes could allow Google to impose fees between 9% and 20% on app developers, which Microsoft argues would undermine the original intent of the injunction. A recent settlement between Google and Epic includes a partnership valued at 0 million over six years, but details remain confidential. Judge Donato is reviewing the settlement and has requested briefings from the FTC and appointed an expert witness for evaluation. Epic Games has also announced that its games app is now available on Google Play worldwide.
PC Games Class Action Certified
AppWizard
January 26, 2026

PC Games Class Action Certified

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has granted certification for opt-out proceedings against Valve Corporation, alleging that approximately 14 million consumers have been overcharged for games and additional content on Steam, potentially amounting to £656 million. The claim accuses Valve of abusing market dominance through practices such as Platform Parity Obligations, Anti-steering and Tying Provisions, and excessive commission charges. Valve contested the certification, questioning the methodologies for establishing liability and loss, but the CAT dismissed these objections. The Tribunal examined the Class Representative’s funding arrangements and concluded that the claim is representative of a large group of consumers with moderate losses, aligning with the Supreme Court's description of a 'paradigm' case for opt-out certification. Legal representation for the Class Representative was provided by Milberg London LLP and the claim is financially supported by Bench Walk Advisors.
silver Android smartphone
BetaBeacon
November 6, 2025

Google and Epic Games reach settlement in Google Play case, ask court to approve Android changes

Google and Epic Games have reached an agreement in their antitrust dispute, proposing new rules for Android and Google Play. The plan allows developers to accept payments through their own systems within apps, sets maximum fees for transactions, and establishes fair criteria for third-party app store access. The agreement aims to provide developers with more options and lower fees while ensuring user safety. The proposed changes will primarily apply to new app installations.
Fortnite Maker Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Praises Google's 'Awesome Proposal' To Open Up Android And Resolve App Store Fight - Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)
BetaBeacon
November 6, 2025

Fortnite Maker Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Praises Google’s ‘Awesome Proposal’ To Open Up Android And Resolve App Store Fight – Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Google has proposed to open up Android in the U.S. in response to ongoing legal battles with Epic Games and other companies over its app store policies. If approved by the court, the proposal would simplify the global installation of competing app stores, lower developer service fees on Google Play, and allow third-party in-app and web-based payment options.
Fortnite Maker Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Praises Google's 'Awesome Proposal' To Open Up Android And Resolve App Store Fight
BetaBeacon
November 6, 2025

Fortnite Maker Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Praises Google’s ‘Awesome Proposal’ To Open Up Android And Resolve App Store Fight

Google is proposing changes to its app store policies amid legal battles with Epic Games and other companies. Apple is also facing legal challenges over its app store fees, including accusations of abusing its dominant position. Google's parent company, Alphabet, has experienced a significant stock rally with shares rising nearly 5% in October.
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