This archive report was first published on 8 July 2021.
Published on July 8, 2021, a coalition of 37 US states has filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the tech giant is abusing its power in the Android app market.
The lawsuit targets Google's Play Store, which is the primary platform for Android users to download apps. The states claim that Google's dominance in the market has led to anti-competitive practices, making it difficult for app developers to distribute their apps outside of the Play Store.
According to the lawsuit, Google's payment system collects commissions on transactions, giving the company a significant advantage over other app stores. The states are seeking to loosen Google's grip on the Play Store and to force the company to surrender 'unjust profits' made from ads, purchases, and other means.
Google has rejected the accusations, stating that the Play Store has helped app makers thrive while providing security for Android device users. The company claims that its rules on Android and Google Play benefit consumers and provide openness and choice that other platforms do not.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of actions taken by regulators and lawmakers to address concerns over the power of major tech firms. In June, a US congressional panel advanced legislation that would lead to a sweeping overhaul of antitrust laws and give more power to regulators to break up large tech firms.
