Google has categorically denied working with Samsung to design and deploy the “Auto Blocker” feature in the latter’s One UI. The search giant made the public announcement after Epic Games sued Samsung over this feature.
Epic Games accuses Google of colluding with Samsung to block sideloading
Epic Games sued Samsung this week. At the heart of Epic’s latest legal battle is Samsung One UI, and specifically, the Auto Blocker feature.
Samsung introduced the Auto Blocker feature in the One UI 6.1.1. Samsung has stressed that Auto Blocker is a One UI feature designed to keep devices safe from malicious files or USB hacking attempts.
However, this feature blocks one of the privileges that Android OS users have had for several years. Specifically speaking, Auto Blocker attempts to prevent or dissuade users from sideloading apps on their Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
This security and privacy option can be quite useful in certain scenarios. However, Epic Games has reportedly alleged this feature blocks sideloading apps, and that Google was part of the design and deployment process.
“Auto Blocker was ‘intentionally crafted’ in coordination with Google to pre-emptively undermine the ruling in Epic’s court cases against Google for app sideloading.”
Google claims it has nothing to do with the Samsung One UI Auto Blocker feature
Epic has accused Google of knowingly and intentionally working with Samsung on the Auto Blocker feature. As reported by The Verge, Samsung hasn’t yet responded. However, Google has publicly denied collaboration with Samsung.
To make this about access to a game is deliberately misleading; this is about user safety. And Epic’s lawsuit puts their corporate interests above user protections. (5/5)
— David Kleidermacher (@DaveKSecure) October 1, 2024
Google’s Head of Android Security and Privacy, David Kleidermacher, published a series of Tweets defending Google. He called Epic’s latest lawsuit a “meritless and dangerous” move. David even categorically stated that Google did not request Samsung to create the Auto Blocker feature.
Correct, we didn’t request that Samsung turn on the Auto Blocker by default either
— David Kleidermacher (@DaveKSecure) October 1, 2024
Android has its own “Play Protect” feature. It checks for harmful apps on a device regardless of their source. Having evolved significantly, the feature has long warned users about the risks associated with downloading apps directly from the web.
Google’s security practices for the Android platform do not prevent or block sideloading, David noted. It is unlikely that Epic Games has any substantial proof indicating Samsung and Google have colluded on the Auto Blocker feature. Perhaps the Fortnite developer is hoping the courts could force these companies to make necessary disclosures.