Google to appeal Play Store ruling | Computer Weekly
Summary
Google is appealing a judgement given on Monday by US District Judge James Donato in California, which would diminish the company’s control over the distribution of Android apps. The ruling could severely impact Google’s Play Store revenue stream and its ability to charge developers a commission when in-app purchases are made, since these are currently only possible via its own payment system. In a blog post, Lee-Anne Mulholland, Alphabet’s vice-president of regulatory affairs, said: “These changes would put consumers’ privacy and security at risk, make it harder for developers to promote their apps and reduce competition on devices. “These Epic-requested changes stem from a decision that is completely contrary to another court’s rejection of similar claims Epic made against Apple – even though, unlike iOS, Android is an open platform that has always allowed for choice and flexibility like multiple app stores and sideloading,” she added. The company claimed Epic’s proposal removes Google’s ability to implement trust and safety measures that keep Android users safe.