Google has been under the microscope for some time now when it comes to antitrust concerns, but its latest clash with European open-source powerhouse NextCloud is turning heads. After the U.S. government flagged Google as a monopoly and the European Union accused it of not complying with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), NextCloud is now alleging that Google is deliberately throttling its file-sync feature on Android devices.
NextCloud, which launched in 2016 and lets users host files on their own private clouds, claims that Google’s restrictions are degrading the experience for millions of Android users. This showdown raises fresh questions about whether the Play Store is being used as a lever to keep smaller rivals at bay.
The Permission Saga
At the heart of NextCloud’s complaint is a battle over permissions. Ever since its debut, NextCloud has had read-and-write access to a variety of file types, enabling users to sync their entire cloud library seamlessly. The service has marketed itself as a robust alternative to Google’s own Drive and Photos offerings.
But in September 2024, NextCloud rolled out an Android update designed to integrate its file-sync feature more deeply with the operating system—and Google hit the brakes. According to NextCloud, Google simply refused to approve the update, citing vague “security concerns” without providing detailed feedback. The European developer claims it offered extensive technical documentation to address any issues, but Google stayed mum.
A Degraded User Experience
With Google’s repeated refusals, NextCloud was forced to remove broad file-sync functionality and limit its Android app to syncing only photos and videos. For many users, this is a major downgrade. Imagine trying to manage documents, music, or archives and being restricted to just two media types—frustrating, to say the least.
NextCloud’s team points out that advanced users can sideload the full-featured app via alternative stores like F-Droid, but that’s hardly a mass-market solution. Most consumers stick with the Play Store, where downloads and updates are seamless. The company argues this situation exemplifies how tech giants can hobble smaller developers, making their products less capable and steering users back to the incumbents’ own services.
Alternative Workarounds
Some NextCloud enthusiasts have resorted to installing the app from non-Google sources or using third-party file managers to bypass the limitations. While this hack might appeal to tech-savvy users, it’s a nonstarter for the average Android owner who values ease of use and official support.
Moreover, relying on sideloading introduces its own security risks—exactly the kind Google cites in rejecting NextCloud’s update. The irony isn’t lost on the open-source community. They argue that if Google truly prioritized security, it would collaborate on a vetted, sandboxed permission model that both sides could trust.
EU’s DMA and the Regulatory Backdrop
The European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which took effect in 2023, aims to curb the power of so-called gatekeepers like Google. Under the DMA, companies that control large user bases and core platform services are required to open up their systems to fair competition and provide transparency around their policies.
If Google is found to be abusing its gatekeeper status by unfairly restricting app functionality, it could face fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue. That’s potentially billions of dollars—enough to make any executive take notice. NextCloud’s public call for enforcement highlights how smaller players are eager to see the DMA wielded effectively.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
NextCloud says it wants dialogue, not drama. The company is ready to work with Google to iron out any genuine security issues. But for now, the stalemate remains, leaving users caught in the middle. Meanwhile, rival file-sync apps are watching closely, wondering if they’ll be treated the same way.
Will the EU step in and force Google’s hand? Or will Google quietly roll out a compromise that satisfies regulators without undermining its own ecosystem? One thing’s clear: the NextCloud vs. Google saga is far from over, and it may well shape the future of app competition on Android for years to come.
