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Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has taken legal action against Google and Samsung for allegedly working together to restrict competition in the Android app distribution market.
In July, Samsung updated its One UI 6.1.1 OS to include the Auto Blocker feature on new Galaxy smartphones. This feature prevents the installation of apps and third-party stores from “unauthorized sources”. Initially, this feature was opt-in, but with the update, it became mandatory unless users manually turn it off.
Epic Games claimed that Samsung’s implementation of the Auto Blocker was coordinated with Google to thwart a court ruling in Epic’s favor that found Google guilty of monopolizing the Android app distribution channel and engaging in anti-competitive practices with device manufacturers.
Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, criticized Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature, stating that it creates unnecessary obstacles for users wanting to download apps from sources other than the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store.
Despite discussions with Samsung to remove the Auto Blocker for app sideloading, Epic Games resorted to legal action when negotiations failed.
When questioned about potentially getting Epic whitelisted, Sweeney stressed the importance of changing the rules for all developers, not just for Epic.
Epic is seeking legal recourse to compel Samsung and Google to end their anti-competitive practices and remove the Auto Blocker setting by default to foster a fairer market for app distribution.
Google is yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.
