A jury in San Francisco has found Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) guilty of antitrust violations concerning its Play mobile app store. The unanimous verdict marks a significant defeat for a major technology company in the United States, highlighting ongoing efforts by competitors, regulatory bodies and legal authorities to challenge the dominance of internet giants.
The case, initiated by Epic Games in 2020, accused Google of implementing restrictive practices that stifled competition in the mobile app market.
Epic Games, known for its popular game Fortnite and developer tools, claimed that Google's policies prevented smartphone manufacturers, wireless carriers and app developers from offering viable alternatives to the Google Play store. The store is reported to account for more than 95% of all app downloads on Android devices in the US.
After a three-hour deliberation, the jury responded affirmatively to crucial questions regarding Google's market practices and their competitive implications. Despite Google's defence focusing on user safety and experience, the verdict suggests a breach of antitrust laws.
A judge is set to decide on potential remedies in the coming weeks, which might include mandating changes to Google's business practices. The implications of this ruling could be far-reaching, resulting in a more diverse and competitive app market, potentially benefiting consumers with more choices and lower prices.
But Google's legal challenges do not end there. Another significant ruling is expected next year from US District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, DC, regarding Google's dominance in web search, a case brought by the US Department of Justice and numerous state attorneys general.
This verdict contrasts with Epic's previous legal battle against Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), where a federal judge mandated only a single change to Apple's App Store practices, upholding most of Apple's policies.
The decision's impact could be delayed by appeals and Google has yet to comment on the verdict. Yet the outcome of this case signals a pivotal moment in the ongoing scrutiny and potential regulation of major technology companies' market practices.