Epic Games’ Proposal Could Put Android Users At Risk

In April, Epic Games urged the US federal court to impose some harmful changes to Android and Google Play that could hamper the overall experience, privacy, and security of consumers, developers, and device manufacturers. 

Not only does the game publisher go beyond the scope of the recent US trial verdict, which Google will soon be challenging, but the company is also due to the settlement that was reached in 2023 with State Attorneys General from multiple territories.

Google recently shared with the court that it doesn’t agree with Epic’s proposal and economic experts will lay out the reasons why Epic’s proposed solutions are problematic and unnecessary. 

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Epic’s Proposal Puts User Security At Risk

Epic’s proposal suggests removing Google’s ability to implement trust and safety measures that keep Android users safe. Unlike iOS, Android allows OEMs to preload third-party app stores and enables them to download additional app stores directly. 

To maintain a seamless user experience while also giving them the chance, Android adds common-sense measures to protect user security and privacy - measures that would not be allowed with the new proposal.

Moreover, the proposal would also force Google to tell any third-party app store which apps a user has installed on their phone using through Google Play. It would expose a user’s personal app usage -- even for topics like politics, health, or religion -- for Epic’s gain. This seems like a clear violation of user privacy.

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Epic’s Proposal Could Make Users A Target For Malicious Apps

Unlike iOS, Android users get the option to sideload apps, which means they can install an app directly from a developer’s website without going through an app store. Google has some protections in place to ensure user safety while using third-party apps. However, with the new proposal, Google will have to remove them, putting its ability to protect users from potentially malicious apps.

Besides, developers get several options for app distribution on Android, but when they opt to use Google Play, they know the safety rules will keep them safe. However, Epic wants to force all other developers to publish their intellectual property through several channels without their permission. 

Under the proposal, developers could suddenly find their app in a store without the same user protections or in a store that doesn’t have appropriate content they do not want to be associated with.