Judge allows Google to keep its Play Store closed to competitors for now

Delhi Delhi. A federal judge on Friday delayed an order requiring Google to open its Android app store to more competition until an appeals court decides whether to block the change because Legal questions surrounding the jury's verdict brand Google as an illegal monopolist. The delay granted during a court hearing in San Francisco comes less than two weeks after US District Judge James Donato issued a ruling that allows Google to make sweeping changes to its Play Store for Android smartphones starting November 1. forces for.

The mandated changes included a provision that would require Google to make its library of more than 2 million Android apps available to any rival that wants access to the inventory and also distribute alternative options in its Play Store. Google requested Donato's order be postponed until the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could investigate the months-long lawsuit, which led to a December 2023 ruling that found the Play Store an illegal Presented as a monopoly, which stifles innovation and raises consumer prices.

At Friday's hearing, Donato scoffed at the notion that Google might succeed in overturning the trial's decision. “The verdict in this case was adequately supported by the overwhelming evidence regarding Google's anti-competitive conduct,” the judge said. But he decided that the Ninth Circuit should be given a chance to consider a stay until a panel of judges could consider Google's appeal of a 2023 trial focused on antitrust claims filed by video game maker Epic Games. Takes. Donato said he wouldn't be surprised if the Ninth Circuit imposes even longer delays on his decision, “but that's for someone else to decide.” In a statement, Google said it was pleased that Donato hit the pause button on trying to extend the delay even further.

Google said, “These measures threaten Google Play's ability to provide a safe and secure experience and we are doing our best to protect the 100 million US Android users, more than 500,000 US developers, and the thousands of partners who benefit from our platform.” Look forward to continuing the matter.” Epic did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It's unclear how long the Ninth Circuit will take to decide on Google's request for a permanent stay on Donato's decision while its appeal unfolds — a process that could take more than a year.

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