Epic Games, the developer behind the popular video game Fortnite, has leveled accusations against Google and Samsung, the leading manufacturer of Android smartphones, claiming that they are colluding to shield Google’s Play store from competitive threats.
The company announced plans to file a lawsuit in federal court in California, asserting that a security feature implemented by Samsung, known as Auto Blocker, was designed to discourage users from downloading applications from platforms outside of the Play store and Samsung’s own Galaxy store, which the company has since deprioritized.
Epic Games argues that both Google and Samsung are infringing upon US antitrust laws by diminishing consumer options and stifling competition, which could lead to lower prices for app users. Epic is financially supported by China’s Tencent Holdings.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, expressed his concerns to reporters, stating, “It’s about unfair competition, misleading users into thinking competitors’ products are inferior to the company’s own offerings.” He added, “Google is pretending to keep the user safe by asserting that you cannot install apps from unknown sources, despite being aware of Fortnite and having distributed it previously.”
At the time of reporting, Google had not responded to requests for comment on the allegations.
Samsung has stated its intent to “vigorously contest Epic Games’ baseless claims.” The company maintains that its security features are intended to protect users from potential threats.
Epic Games has indicated that the implementation of Samsung’s Auto Blocker may be a strategy to diminish the impact of a favorable ruling it received against Google in December 2023, which is expected to require Google to relax restrictions on acquiring apps from alternative sources.
Additionally, Epic plans to raise its competition concerns with the European Union, which has been actively investigating Google’s business practices for some time.
In the past, Epic Games has clashed with both Google and Apple over their respective policies that impose commissions of up to 30% on app store transactions. Following a nearly four-year ban, Fortnite returned to iPhones in the EU and was once again available on Android devices last month.
Auto Blocker was introduced by Samsung in late 2023 as an optional feature for users, aimed at preventing the download of potentially harmful applications. However, Epic claims that Samsung subsequently set Auto Blocker as the default in July, making it challenging for users to disable or circumvent.
Based in Cary, North Carolina, Epic Games initiated a legal battle against Google in 2020, claiming that the tech giant was inhibiting competition through its control over app distribution and payment processes.
© Thomson Reuters 2024
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