On Monday, October 7, a US judge ordered Google to overhaul its mobile app business to provide users of devices powered by the Android operating system with more options to download the mentioned digital products and pay for transactions within them.
The injunction by US District Judge James Donato in San Francisco provides for the changes that the specified technology giant must undertake. In this case, the main requirement is that Google should open up its lucrative apps Play Store for more competition. It is also stipulated that apps from rival sources should become available on the appropriate platform.
The judge’s order separately notes that for three years Google cannot prohibit the use of in-app payment methods and must allow users to download competing third-party Android app platforms or stores. Also, announced on Monday court’s decision stipulates that the Internet search giant cannot make payments to device manufacturers for preinstalling its mentioned digital store. Moreover, Google is prohibited from sharing revenue generated from the Play with other app distributors.
The Internet search giant has already announced its intention to appeal the verdict that caused the injunction. In this case, Google intends to interact with the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals. The Internet search giant also plans to ask courts to pause James Donato’s order pending appeal.
Google claims that the required changes will provoke several unintended consequences that will harm US consumers, developers, and device manufacturers.
As we have reported earlier, Google Maps to Show AI-Powered Review Summaries in India.
Serhii Mikhailov
Serhii’s track record of study and work spans six years at the Faculty of Philology and eight years in the media, during which he has developed a deep understanding of various aspects of the industry and honed his writing skills; his areas of expertise include fintech, payments, cryptocurrency, and financial services, and he is constantly keeping a close eye on the latest developments and innovations in these fields, as he believes that they will have a significant impact on the future direction of the economy as a whole.