ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´

On 17 March 2026, the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ received an application for authorisation from Google LLC (Google) and Epic Games, Inc. (Epic Games).

The application for authorisation relates to a settlement reached in March 2026 between Google and Epic Games to, amongst other things, resolve ongoing litigation between them in Australia. Google and Epic Games are seeking authorisation to give them legal protection from competition laws to make and give effect (in Australia) to certain terms of that settlement.

On 3 March 2026, Google and Epic Games entered into a binding term sheet setting out the terms of their settlement (Term Sheet). Authorisation is sought to give effect to the terms of the Term Sheet identified below in Australia (i.e. in relation to transactions involving an Australian user and/or an Australian developer), and to make and give effect to equivalent or substantially similar terms in the Long-Form Settlement Agreement, being provisions:

• specifying upper limits on the Google Play Service Fees that Google may charge for certain types of transactions or purchases, in certain circumstances and/or on certain conditions
• restricting Google from charging, in certain circumstances as specified, Google Play Service Fees, or revenue proportionate or per-purchase Service Fees, for certain types of transactions
• relating to the display and use of alternative payment options, including external web links, side-by-side alongside Google Play Billing, including in relation to user experience guidelines, APIs, and the charging of Service Fees
• concerning the implementation of the above provisions

(the Proposed Conduct).

Further details of these provisions are included in the application for authorisation available at the link below.

This settlement supersedes and replaces a previous settlement reached between Google and Epic Games on 31 October 2025, which was the subject of application for authorisation AA1000708. Google and Epic Games withdrew application for authorisation AA1000708 on 6 March 2026.

Authorisation is sought until 30 September 2032.

Google and Epic Games also seek interim authorisation by 30 June 2026 to give effect to the Proposed Conduct to the limited extent that its implementation in other jurisdictions impacts apps published on Google Play by Australian developers (for example, Google is required to roll out the Proposed Conduct in Europe and the UK by 30 June 2026). Google and Epic Games do not seek interim authorisation to give effect to the Proposed Conduct in relation to Australian users.

The ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ invites the views of interested parties on this application and request for interim authorisation. Submissions are requested by 17 April 2026. If you wish to make a submission in relation to this matter, please lodge it .

An indicative timetable for the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´â€™s assessment is set out below.