The actual problem is that travesties of this scale are allowed to happen on Google’s watch for so long, despite the Orwellian grip it has on deciding what apps are allowed to be listed. A good example of why that system needs to be reformed.

This particular issue didn’t get addressed until at least 8 months after TechCrunch exposed the practice. Where was Google?

Control of the App Store and Play Stores should be carefully transferred to an independent organization, with an open governance model and a mission to serve consumer interests. It won’t be perfect but it would be a big step up.

If that can’t be done for whatever reason, find another way to disrupt the App Store. I struggle to think of why not doing so is a net good for society.