Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google and Samsung, accusing the tech giants of collaborating to stifle third-party app distribution on Samsung devices. The central issue in the case revolves around Samsung’s “Auto Blocker” feature, which limits app installations to those from authorized sources like the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store.
Samsung’s “Auto Blocker” Feature Under Scrutiny
Samsung’s Auto Blocker, enabled by default on its devices, is designed to block apps from unauthorized sources and prevent “malicious activity.” Users can disable the feature in their settings if desired. However, Epic Games contends that this default setting unfairly strengthens Google’s dominance over Android app distribution, reducing competition.
In a lawsuit filed in federal court in San Francisco, Epic argued that Auto Blocker is part of a larger effort to maintain Google’s control over app distribution on Android devices. The game developer, known for the popular game Fortnite, claimed that this practice undermines efforts to create a competitive market for app distribution on Android.
Epic Games Calls Out Anti-Competitive Practices
Epic Games argues that the coordinated actions of Google and Samsung harm both developers and consumers, stifling competition. In a statement on its website, the company criticized these practices as harmful to the progress made by regulatory and legislative bodies worldwide in promoting app market competition.
“Allowing this coordinated illegal anti-competitive dealing to proceed hurts developers and consumers,” Epic Games stated.
Google and Samsung’s Response
Google has not yet responded to the lawsuit, while Samsung defended its position, stating that it fosters competition and enhances consumer choice. Samsung emphasized that its device features are designed to prioritize security, privacy, and user control. It also noted that users can disable the Auto Blocker feature at any time. Samsung intends to challenge Epic Games’ claims, calling them “baseless.”
The Lengthy Process of Downloading Third-Party Apps
Epic Games launched its Epic Games Store for Android devices and iPhones in the European Union in August. The company argues that Samsung’s Auto Blocker and Google’s app installation flow create a complex and burdensome 21-step process for users trying to install third-party apps outside the official Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store. Epic’s website outlines a four-step process to disable the Auto Blocker feature, which is just part of the lengthy process users must endure.
A History of Antitrust Battles
This is Epic Games’ second lawsuit against Google. In December, Epic won an antitrust case against Google, with a jury finding that Google had maintained an anti-competitive environment for its Android app store, harming both consumers and software developers. Epic now claims that Samsung’s Auto Blocker was specifically designed to undermine that verdict.
Epic Games CEO Calls for Fair Competition
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has been vocal about the need for fair competition in the app distribution market. He argues that the current environment makes it nearly impossible for other app stores to compete against Google and Samsung.
“Literally no store can compete with the incumbents when disadvantaged in this way,” Sweeney said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “To have true competition, all reputable stores and apps must be free to compete on a level playing field.”
Epic’s lawsuit seeks to create a fairer marketplace for app distribution, where developers and consumers have more freedom and fewer barriers.