Epic Games is suing Google and Samsung over its Auto Blocker feature, which makes it difficult to install third-party app stores on Samsung devices, which the company considers anti-competitive behavior.
Epic Lawsuit
Causes of Conflict
The creator of the popular game Fortnite, Epic Games, has initiated legal proceedings against technology giants Google and Samsung. The reason was the Auto Blocker feature implemented by Samsung on its devices, which, according to Epic Games, prevents the installation of alternative application marketplaces.
Auto Blocker implementation history
The Auto Blocker feature was introduced by Samsung in October 2023. Its main purpose is to automatically block the installation of programs that are not distributed through the official Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store. Initially, users were given the opportunity to independently activate this feature, but since July 2024, Samsung began enabling it by default on all its gadgets.
Epic Games Requirements
In a statement of claim filed in the Northern District of California, Epic Games wants to prevent Samsung from automatically activating Auto Blocker. The company is also calling on the court to put an end to what it calls "anti-competitive and unfair behavior" by Samsung and Google. Epic Games insists on a jury trial and demands financial compensation for losses incurred, as well as reimbursement of legal costs.
Difficulties for users
According to Epic Games, owners of devices with the Auto Blocker feature enabled are forced to go through an "extremely complex 21-step process" to install a third-party application such as the Epic Games Store. In comparison, Android devices without this feature require 12 steps due to numerous software warnings from unknown sources.
Allegations against Samsung
Epic Games accuses Samsung of spreading false claims that its apps are unknown and potentially dangerous. The company claims that this damages its reputation and results in the loss of potential users and profits.
Connection to previous case
This lawsuit is related to Epic Games' previous lawsuit against Google, which the company won last December year. At the time, the jury unanimously found that Google had engaged in anticompetitive behavior. Epic Games believes the collaboration between Samsung and Google undermines the jury's decision in that case.
Glossary
- Epic Games is an American video game developer, creator of the popular game Fortnite
- Fortnite is an online multiplayer battle royale game
- Auto Blocker is a security feature on Samsung devices that blocks the installation of applications from unofficial sources
- Samsung is a South Korean company, one of the largest electronics manufacturers
- Google is an American transnational corporation specializing in the Internet services and products
Links
Answers to questions
Why Epic Games sued Google and Samsung?
What is Auto Blocker and when was it introduced?
What are Epic Games' claims in its lawsuit?
How difficult is it to install applications when Auto Blocker is enabled?
How does this lawsuit relate to the previous Epic Games v. Google case?
Hashtags
Save a link to this article
Discussion of the topic – Epic Games vs Google and Samsung: Battle for the freedom to install applications
Epic Games is suing Google and Samsung over its Auto Blocker feature, which the company says prevents alternative app stores from being installed on Samsung devices.
Latest comments
8 comments
Write a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are checked *
Olivier
What news! Epic Games is back in court, now against Samsung and Google. This Auto Blocker seems to really make life difficult for developers. 21 steps to install the application is too much 😱
Katarina
Yeah, Olivier! I am a Samsung user myself and to be honest, I didn’t even know about this feature. I wonder how much it really protects against malware? 🤔
Hans
Katarina, I think this is more of an attempt by Google and Samsung to monopolize the app market. Epic Games is right to fight for an open ecosystem. Competition must be fair! 💪
Isabella
I agree with Hans! But let's look from the other side - maybe this will really help protect users from malicious applications? Although 21 steps is really a lot 😅
Günter
Oh, these modern technologies! It used to be easier - you bought a phone and used it. And now it’s all shops, lockdowns, courts... When will this all end? I miss the good old days without all this fuss.
Sofia
Günter, I understand your nostalgia, but progress cannot be stopped! 😊 It is important to find a balance between safety and convenience. I hope the court will make a fair decision that will take into account the interests of all parties.
Liam
But I’m wondering if this will affect the prices of Samsung smartphones? 🤔 If they have to disable Auto Blocker, will they begin to compensate for the loss by increasing prices?
Olivier
Interesting thought, Liam! But I doubt that Samsung will take such a step. The competition in the market is too high. Rather, they will find another way to protect their ecosystem. In any case, this case could become a precedent for the entire industry! 🚀