### Epic Games Sues Google and Samsung Over Alleged Anticompetitive Practices

Epic Games, known for creating Fortnite, has taken legal action against Google and Samsung, alleging that the two tech giants are engaging in anticompetitive practices. The core of this dispute revolves around a Samsung feature called Auto Blocker, which restricts Galaxy devices from installing applications from non-Google Play Store sources.

Auto Blocker is a security feature that Samsung claims is designed to protect users from potentially harmful and unauthorized applications. It is enabled by default on Samsung Galaxy devices and alerts users with a pop-up message if they try to install an app from an unauthorized source. While this feature can be overridden during the initial setup of a Galaxy device, or temporarily disabled, Epic Games contends that it unfairly limits app distribution competition.

According to Epic Games, Auto Blocker essentially makes the Google Play Store the only feasible platform for app distribution on Samsung devices, sidelining other app stores and imposing a monopoly. This, Epic argues, is a coordinated strategy to undermine a previous legal decision where a jury found Google’s agreements with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to be anticompetitive.

In an interview with The Verge, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, acknowledged that while he lacks direct evidence of a collusion between Google and Samsung regarding Auto Blocker, he expects the documentation discovery phase of the lawsuit to reveal pertinent information. Sweeney also noted that he had not requested Samsung to treat Epic Games as an authorized app source.

Sweeney emphasized that this legal battle is not solely about Epic seeking special treatment, but about advocating for the rights of all developers. He reflected on past actions against Apple, where evidence showed that he sought a special arrangement for Fortnite, a move he now describes as a lesson on standing up for broader developer rights.

Epic Games hopes the court will mandate Samsung to disable Auto Blocker as a default setting on its devices. Samsung, in a statement to The Verge, defended Auto Blocker as a security and privacy measure that users are free to disable. Samsung also indicated its intention to robustly challenge what it calls Epic's "baseless claims." Google has similarly dismissed the lawsuit as "meritless."

As this legal confrontation unfolds, the tech and gaming communities watch closely to see if the ruling will shift the dynamics of app distribution on Android devices.