Epic Games Sues Google and Samsung Over Anti-Competitive Practices, Targeting "AutoBlocker"

Epic Games Sues Google and Samsung Over Anti-Competitive Practices, Targeting "AutoBlocker"Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, filed a lawsuit yesterday (September 30th) against Google and Samsung, accusing the companies of anti-competitive practices that hinder Android users from downloading games and apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. The lawsuit centers around Samsung's "AutoBlocker," introduced in October 2022, which is enabled by default and designed to prevent Galaxy devices from installing unauthorized apps

Epic Games Sues Google and Samsung Over Anti-Competitive Practices, Targeting "AutoBlocker"

• Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, filed a lawsuit yesterday (September 30th) against Google and Samsung, accusing the companies of anti-competitive practices that hinder Android users from downloading games and apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. The lawsuit centers around Samsung's "AutoBlocker," introduced in October 2022, which is enabled by default and designed to prevent Galaxy devices from installing unauthorized apps.

The "AutoBlocker" displays a warning when users attempt to install apps from unknown sources, although it can be temporarily disabled in settings, this effectively restricts sideloading. Epic Games argues that the AutoBlocker solidifies the Google Play Store as the sole avenue for obtaining apps on Samsung devices, stifling competition from other app stores.

In an interview with The Verge, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney stated that while there is no direct evidence of collusion between Google and Samsung, the company hopes to uncover such evidence through this lawsuit. Samsung responded that they "plan to vigorously defend against Epic Games' baseless allegations," while Google called the lawsuit "meritless."

Epic Games' lawsuit contends that Samsung's "AutoBlocker" is essentially an anti-competitive move on behalf of Google Play Store. The default activation of this feature locks users into Google Play Store, preventing them from choosing alternative app stores and installation sources. This gives Google Play Store an unfair advantage on Samsung devices and stifles competition from other app stores.

Epic Games points out that Samsungs collaboration with Google to implement "AutoBlocker" came shortly after their dispute with Epic Games. In 2020, Epic Games clashed with Google when they attempted to bypass Google Play Store's 30% commission within Fortnite. Epic Games believes this collaboration between Google and Samsung is retaliatory and aims to suppress their business.

The lawsuit emphasizes that users have the right to choose from which sources they download apps. Epic Games argues that Samsung's "AutoBlocker" violates these user rights and undermines the openness of the Android platform.

While Google and Samsung have not yet made further statements regarding the lawsuit, it is expected to spark heated debate surrounding competition and user choice within the Android platform.