Monopoly - Market dominance that stifles competition and limits user choice.
Google Play Store has been ruled an illegal monopoly in multiple jurisdictions. Courts found that Google used anti-competitive practices, such as restricting third-party app stores, sideloading and alternative payment systems, to entrench its dominance in Android app distribution and in-app billing.Source: The Verge: Google must crack open Android for third-party stores, rules Epic judge (2026)
Lack of Transparency - Opacity in operations, data handling, or supply chains, making it difficult for users to understand practices.
Google Play Store has been criticised for its opaque app review and moderation processes. The introduction of developer verification requirements, while aimed at improving security, has raised concerns about privacy, legal exposure for developers and the lack of clear communication regarding how apps are approved or removed.Source: Ars Technica: With developer verification, Google’s Apple envy threatens to dismantle Android’s open legacy (2026)
Misinformation / Manipulation - Spread of false or misleading information, often through algorithmic amplification, which can harm public discourse and trust.
Google Play Store has hosted dozens of apps that facilitate the creation and spread of non-consensual sexual deepfakes and "nudify" content, despite explicit bans in its policies. Many of these apps were only removed after public pressure or media investigations.Source:The Register: Nudify app proliferation shows naked ambition of Apple and Google (2026)
AI Bloat - Service has unnecessary or harmful AI features.
The Google Play Store has seen a surge in AI-driven apps, many of which are low-quality, malicious or designed to exploit users. This "AI bloat" has overwhelmed the store with apps that often evade moderation, including those that generate harmful or non-consensual content.Source:The Register: Nudify app proliferation shows naked ambition of Apple and Google (2026)
Big Tech - Big Tech companies do not nourish people and planet. This is especially true in times of political tension.
Android is developed and owned by Google, one of the largest tech companies, contributing to market monopolisation and exploitative data practices. Source: EFF: Google Search Monopoly and Privacy Concerns (2025)
Tax Avoidance - Aggressive strategies are being deployed to avoid paying taxes.
Google is known for aggressively avoiding paying taxes, so much that taxing it got its own term: "Google tax". Source: Wikipedia: Google Tax
Support of Authoritarian Regimes - Companies actively supporting, financing and legitimising regimes and unethical policies.
Google Play Store has banned ICE warning apps. Google has kissed Trump's ring by donating $1 million to his inauguration. Google is adapting its products to satisfy the administration.404 Media: Google Calls ICE Agents a Vulnerable Group, Removes ICE-Spotting App ‘Red Dot’ (2025)Time: How Google Appears to Be Adapting Its Products to the Trump Presidency (2025)