Google-Epic Antitrust Settlement Faces Scrutiny Over Favoritism Concerns

Federal Judge James Donato has raised concerns about a proposed settlement between Epic Games and Alphabet (GOOG) over their antitrust dispute. The judge questioned whether the settlement, which includes a software license, service agreement, and exploratory partnership, favors Epic and Google while weakening remedies for app developers and consumers. Donato emphasized that the case has public-interest implications and will allow the parties to submit briefs in February to consider whether the settlement improves competition in mobile app distribution.