Google Faces Second Antitrust Lawsuit Filed By Coalition of Attorneys General

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The AGs alleged that Google engaged in “anticompetitive tactics to diminish and disincentivize competition in Android app distribution.” They also claimed that the search engine giant inserting itself as a middleman between app developers and consumers.

The search engine giant allegedly required app developers to sell apps through Google Play and digital in-app content through Google Play Billing. The tactic allowed the search engine giant to collect up to 30% commission from consumers who bought digital content or subscription on their Android devices.

In addition, the AGs claimed that Google broke its promise to app developers and device manufacturers, mobile network operators that it would keep Android an “open source,” allowing them to develop and distribute compatible apps without unnecessary restrictions.

The search engine giant allegedly stifled competition by requiring original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and mobile network operators (MNOs) to enter into exclusive contracts and other restraints. In exchange for entering into arrangements not to compete with Google Play Store, the search engine giant offer them OEMs and MNOs with a share of its monopoly profits.