Google slammed for ‘bribe and block’ tactics as app store antitrust trial kicks off

“Fortnite” maker Epic Games accused Google of using a two-pronged “bribe and block” scheme to stifle competition to its Play Store at the start of a federal antitrust trial – adding another headache for the tech giant that’s facing a landmark battle over its alleged monopoly over search. Epic attorney Gary Bornstein claimed that Google makes payments to competitors to prevent the creation of any alternative app stores during opening arguments in San Francisco on Monday. At the same time, Google allegedly blocks potential rivals from offering their own payment...