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Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Google for its “malicious compliance” with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.
The DMA is an anti-monopoly law that prevents tech companies like Google and Apple from restricting developer access to digital markets through practices such as blocking alternative app stores. Epic Games filed lawsuits against both Google and Apple for their 30% transaction fees and limitations on mentioning alternative stores with lower fees.
While Epic lost most of the Apple case, a federal judge found Apple’s “anti-steering” policy to be anticompetitive. Epic won a jury trial against Google in December, and the EU’s DMA is establishing guidelines for fair competition. However, Sweeney alleges that both companies are delaying compliance.
Another case involving Spotify led to the EU fining Apple $1.9 billion for anti-steering practices.
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“Google announced its malicious compliance plans for the European DMA law: The scare screens continue, and it looks like their illegal anti-steering policy will be replaced by a new Google Tax on web transactions,” Sweeney said in a tweet.
He added, “No gatekeeper should impose fees for unprovided services. It’s self-preferencing and monopoly rent extraction.” Epic vows to continue fighting.
Sweeney’s remarks parallel his criticism of Apple, another “gatekeeper” with its iOS App Store. We’re awaiting Google’s response to these allegations.
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