Video game creator and digital distribution pioneer Epic Games escalated its multi-year legal crusade against Big Tech on Monday, filing a major federal antitrust lawsuit in California against Google and Samsung. The complaint alleges that the two tech titans engaged in anti-competitive collusion by enabling Samsung's 'Auto Blocker' feature by default on new mobile devices.
According to the complaint filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, Auto Blocker acts as an insurmountable gatekeeper by unilaterally blocking users from downloading or installing software from unauthorized sources—effectively preventing the sideloading of third-party marketplaces such as the Epic Games Store.
The 21-Step Sideloading Barrier and Collusion Claims
Epic contends that while installing an app from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store requires a single tap, bypassing Auto Blocker to install an outside app requires consumers to navigate an exceptionally arduous 21-step process across obscure device configuration menus. The lawsuit argues that this deliberate friction deters the vast majority of consumers.
The suit alleges that Samsung's decision in July to activate Auto Blocker by default—reversing its previous opt-in status—was orchestrated in tandem with Google to blunt the impact of a historic jury verdict Epic won against Google in December 2023, which declared the Google Play distribution monopoly unlawful.
“This is a coordinated effort between Google and Samsung to maintain Google's monopoly on Android app distribution by disabling competing app stores right out of the box.” — Tim Sweeney, Chief Executive Officer of Epic Games
Enforcing Earlier Federal Verdicts in the Mobile Ecosystem
Both defendants pushed back firmly against the allegations. Samsung maintained that Auto Blocker is a vital consumer protection tool designed to shield Galaxy phone owners from malware, fraudulent software, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, noting that users retain the freedom to disable the security setting at any time.
Epic is seeking injunctive relief to mandate the removal of Auto Blocker as a default setting and to prohibit Google and Samsung from coordinating exclusionary practices that disadvantage independent digital storefronts and developers across the Android ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central claim in Epic Games' lawsuit against Google and Samsung?
Epic claims that Samsung's default Auto Blocker feature unlawfully blocks competing Android app marketplaces through a 21-step friction process.
How did Samsung respond to the antitrust allegations?
Samsung defended Auto Blocker as an essential cybersecurity feature designed to protect user devices from malicious software.
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