AI news: EU Presses Google and Apple on Digital Services Act Compliance

The European Commission is seeking detailed responses from tech giants Google and Apple regarding their adherence to the new Digital Services Act (DSA) on their respective app platforms.

In an official statement, the EU executive body stated, "The Commission requests service providers to provide more information on how they have diligently identified any systemic risks related to the App Store and Google Play." The EU's inquiry comes in the wake of Google losing an antitrust case to Epic Games, where Google Play was deemed a monopoly.

Tim Sweeney's company secured a significant victory after a federal jury recognized Google's app monopoly on Android. The verdict, delivered in a San Francisco federal court on Monday (12.11.23), agreed that Google's dominance affected Epic's business.

Reacting to the victory at X (formerly Twitter), CEO Sweeney tweeted, "Victory against Google! After 4 weeks of detailed courtroom testimony, a California jury ruled against Google Play's monopoly on all counts. Legal remedies will proceed in January. Thanks to everyone for the support and belief! Free Fortnite!"

How Google plans to address the situation remains uncertain. However, they plan to appeal the case.

Wilson White, Google's Vice President for Government and Public Policy, stated, "The trial showed that we compete vigorously with Apple and its App Store, as well as app stores on Android devices and gaming consoles."

"We will continue to defend the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem," White added.

In September 2021, a judge ruled that there was no evidence to label Apple's App Store as a monopolist after Epic filed a lawsuit against the company.