US Appeals Court Denies Google Pause of Play Store Reforms in Epic Case

A U.S. appeals court has denied Google's request to pause an injunction requiring major reforms to its Google Play Store, stemming from a lawsuit filed by Fortnite maker Epic Games accusing Google of monopolistic practices. The injunction mandates Google to allow users to download rival app stores through Play, open its app catalog to competitors, and permit alternative in-app payment methods, while prohibiting payments to device makers for preinstalling its store. Google argued the order threatens consumer security and privacy, calling it unprecedented, but the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected these claims and upheld the antitrust ruling against Google. Epic Games hailed the decision as a victory for developers and consumers, emphasizing the promotion of fair competition and choice. With the appeals court denying Google's petition for rehearing and freeze, the company is considering seeking review from the U.S. Supreme Court. This ruling contrasts with Epic's earlier legal defeat against Apple, potentially creating divergent legal standards for the two tech giants.