Google Hit by Aptoide Antitrust Suit; Ex-CFO Proposes $500K Exit Tax
Alphabet is facing a federal antitrust suit from Aptoide alleging monopolistic Android app distribution and billing practices, seeking damages and an injunction to halt Google Play restrictions. Meanwhile, ex-CFO Patrick Pichette proposed a $500,000 exit tax on Canadian graduates who emigrate after benefiting from taxpayer-funded education, spotlighting brain drain challenges.
1. Alphabet Faces Aptoide Antitrust Lawsuit
Alphabet Inc is being sued by rival app store Aptoide S.A. in U.S. federal court for allegedly monopolizing Android app distribution and billing systems. Aptoide claims Google's restrictive policies block developer access to the Google Play ecosystem and competitive pricing, and it seeks damages plus an injunction to end those practices.
2. Former CFO Advocates $500K Canadian Exit Tax
Patrick Pichette, who served as Google’s CFO from 2008 to 2017, argued Canadian graduates who emigrate after receiving publicly funded education should pay a $500,000 exit tax. He highlighted a record net emigration of 65,372 in 2024-25 and warned of long-term brain drain risks.