In a landmark decision, the federal court has today ruled against tech giants Apple and Google in a major win for consumers, finding that the companies engaged in anti-competitive conduct. 

Judge Jonathan Beach found that both companies had broken the law by misusing their market power in the way they run their app stores which sell everything from smartphone apps to computer games.

It clears the way for two class actions covering millions of Australian consumers and developers to pursue substantial compensation for the price and commissions they paid for digital content — which according to legal representatives for the class actions were heavily inflated on the app stores.

Justice Beach also ruled on two cases brought by Epic Games, the developer of blockbuster online game Fortnite.

An image from the videogame Fortnite: Battle Royale with a man jumping away from an explosion

Justice Beach also ruled on two cases brought by Epic Games, the developer of blockbuster online game Fortnite. (Epic Games)

He found Google and Apple breached section 46 of the competition and consumer act by misusing their market power to reduce competition but he rejected other allegations including that the companies had engaged in unconscionable conduct — behaviour so harsh it goes against good conscience.

Advocates believe the judgment could have a significant impact on how digital platforms operate in Australia.

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