What is Auto Blocker and why is Epic suing Samsung for enabling it on users' phones?

Yesterday, the big players in the mobile and internet sector returned to the main stage with some controversy: Epic Games is now slamming Samsung for preventing its Epic Games Store from being easily installed on the Korean manufacturer's Galaxy devices.

All this thanks to One UI, Samsung's customization layer on Android. This is called Auto Blocker, a security layer that makes it more difficult to install apps from outside the official app stores. We tell you what we know about the case and what Auto Blocker means for Samsung mobile phones.

One UI is Samsung's software that runs on the Android operating system. In version 6.0 One UI, Auto Blocker made its debut in November of last year. In principle, this additional layer of security was optional, although there was little need to wait for Samsung to activate it from the factory. Specifically, One UI 6.1.1 makes the feature active by default.

In this sense, the function fulfills the mission of protecting the user from malicious APK files or from sources external to the Google Play Store. Through this layer that monitors the installation of applications, it also blocks certain aspects: installation from unknown sources, ADB commands via USB, images containing malware and system updates via USB.

Later, in One UI 6.1.1, it got even more robust with expanded app protection against malicious activity. Well, these measures imposed by the Galaxy manufacturer upset Epic Games, causing Fortnite to leave the Samsung App Store. And now, as we know, Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Samsung because Auto Blocker makes it difficult for users to install the Epic Games Store.

Now that Epic has a store with more games, it’s no surprise that it’s looking to be one of the most popular smartphone brands in the world. Epic Games’ complaint affects Auto Blocker as a default feature on Samsung phones, making it difficult for users to install its store.