A federal court stated that it will approve a $700 million settlement in a multistate antitrust lawsuit against Google. The lawsuit challenged Google’s control over Android app distribution and in-app payments. The approval of the settlement ends a five-year case and gives relief to consumers nationwide who were affected by Google’s actions.
Most of the settlement funds will go directly to people who made purchases on Google Play from August 2016 to September 2023. Most recipients won’t need to fill out a claim form and will receive their payments through PayPal or Venmo.
If consumers don’t have access to PayPal or Venmo, they can file a claim through a separate process to receive their payment.
“The Wisconsin Department of Justice is committed to protecting consumers’ access to a fair and competitive marketplace,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Consumers who are interested in learning more about this resolution can find information on the settlement website.”
The settlement requires Google to update its business practices. For at least five years, app developers may use alternate payment systems, inform customers about lower prices outside Google’s billing system, and list their apps on competing stores without fear of retaliation. Android users can download apps from outside the Play Store for at least seven years.
