A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Google must permit rival tech companies' Android apps to be available on its Google Play Store for three years, starting next month. This decision stems from a case brought by Epic Games, the maker of the popular video game Fortnite, against Google.

Judge James Donato ordered several remedies, including this change, which Google plans to appeal. The company also intends to request a delay in implementing the new rules.

In December, a jury sided with Epic, which argued that Google restricted competition by monopolising app distribution and payment systems on Android devices. Google defended its practices, claiming the ruling would jeopardise consumer privacy and security, hinder developers' ability to promote their apps, and diminish competition on Android devices.

"This decision risks consumers' privacy and security, makes it harder for developers to promote their apps, and reduces competition," Google stated.

Legal experts have praised the ruling as a significant challenge to the dominance of major tech firms. Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School, noted that the decision demonstrates courts' willingness to compel dominant platforms to share access with competitors in the interest of promoting competition.

One of the ordered remedies requires Google to make its app catalogue accessible to competing app stores. Mark Lemley, a professor at Stanford Law School, explained that while this isn't a typical requirement under antitrust law, the judge correctly determined that courts can impose affirmative actions to undo harm caused by antitrust violations.

Google argued that its Play Store operates in a competitive market, citing competition from Apple's App Store, which was also targeted by Epic Games in 2020. That case concluded with an appeals court ruling that Apple does not hold a monopoly in mobile gaming.

This ruling marks another legal setback for Google. In August, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta sided with the U.S. Department of Justice in a case alleging that Google operates an illegal monopoly in online search. More recently, District Judge Leonie Brinkema heard arguments in a case accusing Google of monopolising the digital advertising market.

Critics of the company argue that Google's fees, which can reach up to 30% on transactions within its app store, have led to inflated costs for consumers. Lee Hepner, Senior Legal Counsel at the American Economic Liberties Project, said the ruling is likely to change this dynamic.

"Developers will have more incentive to enter this market, and prices should be lower for consumers," Hepner stated.