Judge doesn’t accept Epic case’s claim about Google’s ‘terrifying world of chaos’

Epic hopes the court will approve several appeals it previously submitted, which Google says are excessive and “would harm consumers’ privacy, security, and overall experience.” So all eyes are on Judge James Donato, who heard testimony from both sides and gave some clues as to his opinion.

For starters, while Donato said some of Epic’s proposed remedies are “open-ended and too vague,” Google will have to make changes it doesn’t like, but perhaps not as much as Epic hopes. “I want to be clear: Google, as an illegal monopolist, will have to pay penalties,” Donato said during the hearing. “This case is about the ability to compete in general. I’m not looking for relief that will only help Epic. What we are doing is leveling the playing field and removing barriers.

Donato also took issue with what he said was Google’s attempt to show “a terrifying world of chaos” if the proposed remedies were applied to app store markets. “I just don’t believe it,” Donato said, adding, “We’re going to be treading on new ground for a while.” This is simply the consequence of violating antitrust laws: we have to do things in a different way.”

The judge also did not sympathize with Google’s argument that the proposed changes would be bad for consumers and businesses. “To jump up and down and say that the new way is going to be a world that no one wants to live in is unfounded,” Donato said.

Ahead of Thursday’s hearing, Epic presented a 16-page document proposing solutions Google should apply to its business following the antitrust ruling, including prohibiting Google from blocking app stores and billing systems alternatives or to share revenue from Google Play. with operators or phone manufacturers. Google appealed the verdict and argued that the suggested solutions were unnecessary because of changes to the Play Store that it had already introduced to settle a separate $700 million monopoly lawsuit in December – a case that Donato also supervises.

Google and Epic are expected to present their final arguments in August, with Donato planning to “rapidly” impose sanctions soon after.