Epic Games and Samsung has decided to settle a court case over the latter’s implementation of Auto Blocker, a security feature similar but not as comprehensive as Google’s Advanced Protection and Apple’s Lockdown mode. In addition to blocking USB-based attacks and link previews, it also prevents the sideloading of third-party apps and stores.
Samsung took the interesting approach of enabling Auto Blocker by default, prompting users to enable on first setup. Epic Games sued as it believed that it was a collusive action with Google to hamper third-party stores.
No one will talk about the nature of the agreement yet, with Sweeney stating only that Samsung “will address Epic’s concerns.” We can make some guesses, though, as Epic’s demands were clear from the start. Sweeney said last year that he wanted Samsung to stop making Auto Blocker the default or to create a whitelist of apps that could bypass the installation block. We’ll probably find out which option won out soon.
On Wednesday (July 9), Samsung will reveal the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. If, upon setting up the phones, users are not opted in to Auto Blocker, that would answer the question. It’s also possible that Epic and other approved third-party stores will be given special access in Auto Blocker mode, which may help Samsung retain some security enhancements while still giving Epic what it wants.
A more interesting outcome would be if Samsung made a deal to bundle the Epic Games Store on its new phones. This is exactly the kind of deal Epic was pursuing several years ago. Google worked to kill such partnerships behind the scenes out of fear it could hurt Play Store revenue, which helped hand it a defeat in the antitrust case.
I have mixed feelings about both sides. As much as app sideloading can be horrible from a security perspective, it can also assist greatly in the degoogling process. Like Auto Blocker, Android 16’s implementation of Advanced Protection also bans app sideloading completely, removing the option for users to control their own device.
Do you think stock android users should have greater control over these advanced security features?