In a significant ruling, a U.S. judge has mandated major changes to Google's (GOOGL, Financial) mobile application operations. The directive requires that within three years, Google must allow Android users more flexibility in downloading applications and making in-app purchases. This includes enabling the download of competing third-party Android app platforms or stores and lifting restrictions on in-app payment methods.
Following the announcement of this ruling, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, saw its stock (GOOGL, Financial) drop by 2.5%, closing at $164.39.
