Dozens of state attorneys general are considering filing a third antitrust complaint against Google early next year, two people close to the investigation said Monday – this time over the app store.
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Because of the alternatives, Google’s handling of its Play Store is often considered less problematic for antitrust purposes than Apple’s ironclad control over its App Store.
Two coalitions of states filed antitrust charges against Google last week: one led by Texas, focusing on the technology giant’s control of the advertising technology market, and a second, led by Colorado and Nebraska, focusing on the power of online search. directed. The people said the second group is still investigating complaints about Google’s control over its Android Play Store.
The people who focused on Google search considered including the Play Store claims in the case, but opted out of it for fear that they would complicate the search, the people said, speaking anonymously about an ongoing to discuss investigation.
The states leading the effort include Utah, New York, Tennessee and North Carolina, a group of two Republicans and two Democrats.
Bloomberg first reported on a possible Play Store package on Friday.
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Google’s control of its Play Store has drawn criticism and private antitrust lawsuits, most notably those filed by North Carolina-based Fortnite maker Epic Games. Google’s Play Store is pre-installed on almost all Android devices, but the company allows users to download additional app stores, such as those offered by Amazon or Samsung. Users of most devices can also directly install applications downloaded from the Internet, commonly referred to as ‘sideloading’.
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Sameer Samat, Google’s vice president of Android and Google Play, said most Android devices have two app stores pre-installed, and users can easily add others.
“Each store is able to determine its own business model and consumer functions,” Samat said in a statement. “This openness means that even if a developer and Google do not agree on business terms, the developer can still distribute on the Android platform.”
Because of the alternatives, Google’s handling of its Play Store is often considered less problematic for antitrust purposes than Apple’s ironclad control over its App Store, the only way for iPhone and iPad users to access and install apps.
In August, Epic twins filed antitrust lawsuits against Apple and Google over their restrictions on the app store. Other developers and consumers have also filed suit. These cases continue in federal court in California.
Both Apple and Google charge a 30 percent commission for any downloads of apps or in-app purchases, which developers say is too high. In the past, Google has loudly called for developers to adhere to their in-app purchases policy, but in September the company said it would start enforcing its rules more forcefully in 2021.
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