Google Appeals Changes to Play Store Policies

Google has appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to pause a ruling from Judge James Donato in the Epic v. Google case that mandates significant changes to the Google Play app store, including allowing third-party app stores and eliminating the requirement for Google Play Billing. The company argues that these changes, set to take effect on November 1st, could expose over 100 million U.S. Android users to substantial security risks and undermine the safety and privacy protections currently provided by Google Play. Google claims that the ruling was influenced by a single competitor, Epic Games, and poses a threat to its contractual relationships and the broader Android ecosystem. In its appeal, Google emphasizes that the abrupt implementation of these changes could lead to harmful consequences for users and developers alike, potentially allowing malicious apps to proliferate. Google’s VP of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland, stated that the ruling could disrupt thriving businesses built on the Android platform. The tech giant is seeking an emergency stay while it continues to appeal the antitrust decision.