user safety

AppWizard
August 2, 2025
Google is required to change its app distribution model following a U.S. appeal court ruling that upheld a December 2023 verdict deeming its Play Store an illegal monopoly. The ruling mandates that Google allow third-party billing systems and alternative app stores, with a compliance deadline of fourteen days. Google is seeking an emergency stay to delay the implementation of these changes, arguing that they could disrupt operations and affect revenue, as well as compromise security and user experience. Critics believe Google's actions are aimed at maintaining its market dominance rather than ensuring user safety. An emergency stay has been granted, providing temporary relief but delaying inevitable changes.
BetaBeacon
August 2, 2025
A federal appeals court has upheld a jury verdict condemning Google’s Android app store as an illegal monopoly, paving the way for a federal judge to enforce a potentially disruptive shakeup aimed at providing consumers with more choices.
AppWizard
August 1, 2025
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.
AppWizard
August 1, 2025
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.
AppWizard
August 1, 2025
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%.
AppWizard
July 31, 2025
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.
AppWizard
July 31, 2025
Google Chrome on Android will soon require biometric verification to autofill passwords, enhancing security by preventing autofill without user authentication. This feature will be available in Google Password Manager and is expected to roll out more widely soon. Currently, Chrome has an option for biometric authentication in its Autofill settings, but this has only applied within apps. The update will extend this requirement to all apps, including Chrome, and will be labeled "Verify it's you" in the settings. Users will need to authenticate their identity through fingerprint, facial recognition, or screen lock before passwords can be autofilled. While an official release date is not yet announced, the feature has started appearing for some users, indicating a potential imminent rollout.
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