A jury in San Francisco unanimously found (PDF) that Google violated federal antitrust laws through agreements that stifled competition in its mobile Play Store.
"The verdict offers the first major victory for US courts against big tech companies in the long-running campaign by regulators and prosecutors to curb the power of Internet gatekeepers," he says the Wired.
The finding will then go to a judge (in the coming weeks) who will hear arguments and decide whether to order changes to Google's business practices.
Users of devices powered by Google's Android operating system could find more app options to choose from, at lower prices, if Google is forced to allow downloads from competing app stores or share more of its profits with developers that sell various media through their applications.
The finding is about a case filed for the first time in 2020 by Epic Games, known for the blockbuster game Fortnite. The jury of nine – the 10th juror left the trial early – deliberated for three hours before reaching its verdict.
They had to answer 11 questions, such as whether Google engaged in anti-competitive behavior in various areas.
Epic had accused Google of restricting smartphone makers, wireless carriers and app developers from providing any competition on the Play store, which has more than 95 percent of all downloads on Android phones in the US.
Google had denied any wrongdoing, saying its only goal was to provide a safe and engaging experience for users, especially as it faced strong competition from Apple, its iPhone and App Store.
