Google App Store admits illegal monopoly in landmark case

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, is an outspoken critic of Google and Apple's app store policies

Following the ruling, Epic Games said : “These deals were designed to cement Google's dominance as the only app store in town—and it worked.” Its lawyers argued that Google made $12 billion (£9.6 billion) in profit from the Play Store in 2021.

Google has vowed to appeal the decision.

Wilson White , Google's Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy said, «Android and Google Play provide more choice and openness than any other major mobile platform.»

«We will continue to defend Android's business model and We remain deeply committed to our users, partners and the broader Android ecosystem.»

Google has reached a settlement with other technology companies that sued, such as Match.com, owner of the Tinder dating app. Epic Games, which is majority owned by founder Tim Sweeney, has pressed its case.

The defeat comes as Google faces multiple lawsuits from U.S. prosecutors challenging its market power.

The Justice Department accused the company of using illegal deals to protect its search engine from competitors and of monopolizing key parts of the online advertising market.