In a bid to halt the court's order, Google claims that allowing third-party app stores onto the Play Store could lead to the proliferation of harmful apps and compromise user data.
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| Google seeks to pause the implementation of an antitrust ruling that would force it to open the Play Store to competitors, arguing that it could pose significant security risks to Android users. Image Courtesy: Google |
Mountain View, California, USA - October 17, 2024:
Google has filed a motion to temporarily halt the enforcement of a recent court order that would require the company to open its Play Store to competing app stores. The tech giant argues that implementing these changes within the stipulated timeframe poses significant security risks for Android users.
The order, stemming from an antitrust lawsuit brought by Epic Games, mandates that Google allow third-party app stores to access its Play app catalog and make these stores downloadable from its storefront. Google contends that this would expose millions of Android users to "substantial new security risks" as it would potentially legitimize app stores with less rigorous protections.
The company also expressed concerns about the impact on businesses that may not want their products associated with inappropriate or malicious content. Allowing third-party stores access to Google's entire library could create a "veneer of legitimacy" for bad actors. Additionally, Google argues that permitting developers to link out from their apps increases the risk of deceptive links, potentially leading to phishing attacks and data theft.
One of the court's primary proposed changes involves allowing developers to bypass Google Play billing, which could reduce Google's revenue from in-app purchases. However, Google asserts that this could compromise the security and features that users expect from its billing system.
The company has emphasized that the short timeframe given to implement these changes is insufficient to ensure the safety and functionality of Android devices. Google also questioned the court's decision in its case compared to a similar lawsuit filed by Epic against Apple, arguing that the differing outcomes are inconsistent.
As Google appeals the antitrust ruling, the outcome of this motion will determine whether the company will be required to implement the court-ordered changes or if it can maintain its current practices while the appeal process unfolds.