Judge to Enforce App-Download Reforms on Google Following Epic Games Antitrust Victory

A U.S. judge intends to issue an order directing Google to allow more flexibility for Android users to download apps following a jury verdict in favor of Epic Games. The ruling aims to enhance competition by enabling third-party app stores and reducing Google's monopoly on app distribution.

A U.S. judge on Wednesday announced plans to force Alphabet's Google to provide more options for Android users to download apps. This follows a jury verdict last year siding with 'Fortnite' maker Epic Games.

U.S. District Judge James Donato, who presides over the case in San Francisco, indicated he would issue an order maximizing the flexibility for users and developers to download and distribute apps beyond Google's Play store. Donato expressed little sympathy for Google's complaints regarding the costs and difficulties of implementing these changes.

Donato's forthcoming injunction will outline clear guidelines for Google, setting up a three-person compliance and technical committee to monitor its implementation. The directive aims to dismantle Google's monopolistic practices and foster open competition.

(With inputs from agencies.)