Google has made a last-ditch attempt to pause a court decision that could fundamentally change the way Android works. Following a lawsuit by Epic Games, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is being asked by Google to block parts of a ruling that demands big changes to its app store policies. These alterations, if they proceed, are slated to start impacting Google Play as soon as November 1.
The legal dispute originates from a judgment by Judge James Donato that I reported on last week. It would force the company to loosen its control over app distribution, no longer requiring developers to use Google’s payment system for in-app purchases. The case, initiated by Epic, has far-reaching consequences, but Google is making clear it believes users’ security will suffer as a result.
According to court documents, over three years, Google will be mandated to let competing app stores operate within its Play Store ecosystem. Alternative platforms will be granted access to the same apps available on Google Play, unless developers choose to opt out. The decision, which takes effect on November 1, 2024, could mark a turning point for Android users and developers by reducing the dominance of Google’s app store.
Security and Trust in Jeopardy
One of Google’s key concerns is the safety of its Android ecosystem. The company claims that the court ruling, which would compel Google to open its app store to third-party platforms, could lead to a deterioration in the app verification process.
Google will get its emergency hearing this Friday 10/15 at 1pm ET to try to hold off the permanent injunction having violated antitrust law with its app store. Google previously tried to get the decision thrown out, remedies were issued last week with decision into appeals. https://t.co/Rg2KrG8mDU pic.twitter.com/LjdW1NOwiy
— Jason Kint (@jason_kint) October 15, 2024
Typically, Google subjects apps on its platform to strict vetting processes—both before they are listed and during subsequent updates. That level of scrutiny may not extend to these third-party stores, meaning harmful content or apps could sneak through.
While Android has always allowed users to download apps from other sources outside Google Play, the new requirement that these third-party stores be integrated within Google’s own app store is a first. For users, the shift could introduce confusion, making it unclear which apps have undergone Google’s stringent checks, leaving their devices more vulnerable to malicious software.
Impact on Developers and App Distribution
For developers, the ruling opens a whole new can of worms. Under the court’s order, competing app stores could offer the entire catalog of apps from Google Play. But the question arises: should developers be comfortable seeing their software appear in stores with lower standards for content moderation? It’s not just about trust; it’s about where these apps might end up.
According to Google, many developers choose Google Play specifically because of the security it guarantees. The ruling could cause issues, including potential piracy, as app stores outside Google’s control could distribute apps without proper licensing. This could also hurt developers who don’t want their intellectual property shared in stores they haven’t personally vetted.
Rushed Changes Could Lead to Problems
Another major sticking point for Google is the timeline they’re being asked to follow. The court’s ruling mandates that the changes must go into effect by November 1, leaving Google with very little time to make sweeping adjustments. Android, which serves millions of users in the U.S. alone, is a highly complex platform.
Trying to push updates that affect this many people within a matter of weeks could result in technical failures, bugs, and unforeseen security lapses. Google insists it needs more time to ensure that these modifications don’t harm the day-to-day functionality of Android devices. The company fears that rushing these changes could cause more harm than good, as developers and device manufacturers alike scramble to adjust to new policies.
Billing System Changes
Apart from app distribution, the ruling also addresses Google’s billing system. Currently, developers on Google Play can opt to use their own billing methods for in-app purchases, but they are still required to offer Google Play’s billing option. The new ruling could make it so that Google Play Billing isn’t required at all, potentially taking away important features for users, such as parental controls and secure payment processing.
Such a shift could erode users’ trust in the platform, as third-party billing systems might not have the same safety protocols as Google’s. While alternative systems can provide flexibility, they might lack features that users have come to rely on when making purchases through Google Play.