Epic's complaints against Apple and Google align with some policy recommendations in my recent paper. https://www.publicknowledge.org/blog/software-platforms-benefit-by-empowering-developers-and-putting-users-first/ (1/6)

Specifically, I argue that the required use of the platform's in-app purchasing system for ongoing transactions (media and cloud subscriptions, music downloads, and in-game items) (2/6)

If Epic prevails, however, the relief will still be quite narrow. Other competitive and consumer issues remain. (3/6)

Epic's complaint against Google shows that "just allow sideloading" does not eliminate competitive issues with a built-in app store. (4/6)

Among other things, apps from a platform have greater access to device features. Users should be able to transfer & merge accounts so past media and app purchases aren't stranded. Platforms should not use their privileged access into usage metrics for competitive purposes. (5/6)

This is why while antitrust efforts should be welcomed, ultimately a regulatory approach focused on enhancing competition and promoting consumer rights is what's needed. (6/6)

Lol. Missing a word in 2/6. Meant that "the required use....is anticompetitive". 7/6