14 DAY TRIAL // If you’re an Android user, you might be familiar with Disconnect, a startup that creates software dedicated to blocking ads and other third-party services.
The company has just issued an antitrust complaint with the European Commission against Google, accusing the tech giant of banning its application, Disconnect Mobile, from the Google Play Store and labeling the act as abuse (as reported by ZDNET).
As some of you might know, Google was already under investigation by regulators in Europe, as back in April, the EU officially accused the search giant of abusing its dominant position, while launching an antitrust probe into its Android mobile operating system. So this new complaint just adds more wood to the fire.
Why did Google ban Disconnect Mobile from its app store?
Google rejected Disconnect Mobile from the Google Play store motivating that the app was violating its developer distribution agreement, which prohibits apps from interfering with others apps.
Disconnect Mobile works by preventing non-consensual third-party trackers from picking up data about the specific mode of use of the Android phone. On top of that, whenever the phone tries to download malvertising (malware delivered via advertising networks, including Google’s Doubleclick), the app intercepts the request and blocks it.
Google for its part argues that Disconnect Mobile interferes with other apps, thus removing developers’ opportunity of making a living through ads.
The company notes that the rules it abides by have seen strong support from the Android developer community.
However, Disconnect has decided to fight back against Google, pointing out that the reasoning is “vague and over the board.” The startup implies that Google felt threatened by its advertisement-based tracking business model.
“First, Google has integrated its own ineffective privacy and security 'features' into its dominant products, thereby giving itself an unfair market advantage and harming consumers in the process,” the company explained in a statement.
“Second, Google has used its market power to discriminate against Disconnect, by denying Disconnect access to the distribution and other benefits that come with being in the Play Store.”
Will Disconnect Mobile return to the Play Store?
Disconnect has been involved with Google in a feud for quite some time, as the former’s app was banned twice from the Play Store last year.
So the startup has turned to the EU, asking the official body to force Google to reinstate its app in the Android marketplace and treat it as every other product in the Play Store.
Until the issue is resolved, there’s a workaround if you really want to have Disconnect Mobile on board your Android handset: you can go ahead and download the application directly from the company’s website. The premium version will cost you $5 / €4 per month.