Judge orders Google to simplify installation of competing Android app stores
U.S. District Judge James Donato instructed Google to eliminate unnecessary barriers that hinder users from installing third-party app stores on Android.
During a hearing in San Francisco, Judge James Donato criticized Google for maintaining obstacles that make it difficult for users to install alternative Android app stores. After Epic Games presented a demonstration of the current multi-step procedure, the judge labeled several of those steps as unnecessary “anticompetitive friction” and ordered their removal. He also instructed Google to adjust its Play Store search algorithm so that queries for app stores return relevant third-party options rather than unrelated results.
Google’s representatives accepted the directives and pledged to comply within seven days. The ruling follows earlier court orders aimed at dismantling Google’s monopoly over Android app distribution.
Why it matters
The decision could increase competition and give Android users more choice for downloading apps.
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