Millions of consumers may soon receive payouts from a $700 million antitrust settlement with Google, following allegations that the tech giant unlawfully maintained a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices. The lawsuit claimed Google charged users fees as high as 30% for app purchases and in-app transactions, impacting a wide range of consumers.
Eligible participants in this settlement include anyone who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023. Most users will automatically receive their share of the payout without needing to file a claim. Payments will be directly deposited into their PayPal or Venmo accounts using the email address or phone number linked to their Google Play accounts.
Automatic Payments and Claims Process
The court granted preliminary approval for the settlement on November 20, 2023. Following this, an additional hearing is scheduled for April 30, 2026, to consider final approval of the settlement. If approved, payments will commence soon after.
For those who no longer have access to the email address or phone number associated with their Google Play account, a supplemental claims process will be available after the automatic payments are completed. This ensures that all eligible consumers have the opportunity to receive their compensation.
A coalition of 53 attorneys general from all 50 states, along with representatives from Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, successfully negotiated this settlement with Google. The collective action underscores the growing concern among state officials regarding the market dominance of major tech companies and their impact on consumers.
As consumers await their payouts, this settlement represents a significant step in addressing antitrust issues in the technology sector, potentially setting a precedent for future cases.
