Several US states accuse Google of monopoly in access to applications

Google is under attack by many US states for a monopoly on access to apps on Android.

AFP / File

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Dozens of US states collectively sued Google on Wednesday, July 7.

They accuse him of abusing his power with Android phone users looking to download apps.

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The lawsuits target the online store Play Store intended to obtain applications or other digital content on an Android smartphone. They come at a time when major information technology groups are facing growing trials and criticism. "

 We are bringing this lawsuit to end Google's illegal monopoly and finally give voice to millions of consumers and entrepreneurs,

 " said New York Attorney General Letitia James, one of the leaders in this process.

The lawsuit backed by 37 attorneys general accuses Google of using anti-competitive methods to discourage the distribution of apps through channels other than its Play Store, whose payment system collects transaction commissions.

Google is accused of establishing itself as a “ 

go-

 between” between application developers and consumers.

Another trial on Apple's app store

At the same time, a decision is awaited in the high-profile lawsuit brought by Epic Games against Apple for abuse of a dominant position with its App Store.

The App Store is the only gateway for apps and other content to iPhones and other devices running the iOS operating system.

Conversely, people using Android mobile hardware can get apps through other means than Play Store.

► To read also: International guest - Trial of Epic Games against Apple: "It is above all a question of big money"

These lawsuits are being launched amid growing mistrust of the power of the information technology giants, which increasingly dominate key sectors of the economy and have grown during the pandemic.

Democratic and Republican parliamentarians in the US Congress introduced five bills in June directly targeting the “

 monopolies 

” of tech giants.

This is also the case on the Old Continent where the European Commission has been increasing attacks for years against the GAFAs, recalls our journalist from the Economy service,

Agnieszka Kumor,

 with heavy fines as a result.

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