A federal court has approved a $700 million settlement resolving a multistate antitrust case accusing Google of monopolizing Android app distribution and in-app payments. Consumers nationwide who bought through the Google Play Store will receive refunds, and Google must open up its app ecosystem for years to come.
A federal court has approved a $700 million settlement resolving a multistate antitrust lawsuit against Google. The case centered on claims that Google monopolized Android app distribution and in-app payments through the Google Play Store, resulting in consumer overcharges of up to 30% per transaction, according to the Washington State Attorney General's office.
The settlement closes out a five-year antitrust case. It will provide refunds to consumers nationwide who were affected by the company's alleged conduct, with most of the money going to people who made Google Play purchases between August 2016 and September 2023.
Washington consumers among those refunded
Washington consumers are expected to receive about $13 million from the settlement, with approximately 2.4 million residents potentially eligible. Most eligible consumers will not have to submit a claim, since payments will generally be sent through PayPal or Venmo. Those who cannot receive funds through either service will have another option to submit a claim and obtain their payment.
Google must open up the Play Store
Beyond the payout, the agreement requires Google to change several Play Store practices. For at least five years, developers will be permitted to offer alternative payment systems, tell customers about potentially cheaper purchasing options outside Google's billing system, and distribute their apps through competing app stores without facing retaliation.
Android users will also be able to install apps from sources outside the Google Play Store for at least seven years. According to Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, fighting monopolies is one of his office's core responsibilities, adding that "millions of Washingtonians will now get refunds because of our litigation."
Google denies any wrongdoing.
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