A coalition of 53 attorneys general has initiated a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the tech giant has engaged in practices detrimental to consumers over several years. The suit claims that Google has “suppressed competition” and “unfairly raised prices” by imposing fees as high as 30% on app purchases, in-app transactions, and various subscriptions, actions deemed monopolistic in nature. This legal action follows a recent court order mandating Google to allow third-party app stores on its Android platform.
According to Attorney General Letitia James, a settlement fund has already accumulated 0 million. If the settlement receives approval, consumers who have made purchases through the Google Play Store may find themselves eligible for a payout without needing to take any action. Those with a PayPal or Venmo account linked to their email address associated with their Google Play account could automatically receive their share. For individuals who do not have these payment options, or who face issues accessing their accounts, a supplemental claims process will be available on the settlement website.
As of December 2, some claimants have begun receiving legal notices regarding the settlement. Eligible individuals can expect a minimum payout of at least , with the potential for more based on their spending through the Google Play Store or Google Play Billing during the specified period. While no deadline for payments has been established, a final approval hearing is set for April 30, 2026. Should the settlement be approved, automatic payments will be distributed shortly thereafter, while those who need to file manual claims will experience a longer wait.
What else is there to know about the settlement?
For the majority of claimants, minimal action will be required, assuming they have a PayPal or Venmo account linked to their primary Google Play email and retain access to all relevant accounts. Those who do not receive automatic payments—expected to commence next year if approved—will have the opportunity to participate in a supplemental claims process afterward. Interested parties can register on the settlement website to receive notifications when this process begins. The website also offers a wealth of information, including a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common inquiries.
Individuals wishing to opt out of the settlement entirely can do so by submitting an opt-out form by February 19, 2026. This choice allows them to preserve their right to pursue separate legal action against Google, foregoing any benefits associated with the settlement.
This is not the first instance of Google facing financial repercussions for alleged misconduct. The company previously settled for .4 billion in Texas over violations of user data protocols and was involved in a billion lawsuit concerning user tracking in Chrome’s Incognito Mode. Given the history of settlements, it seems unlikely that this latest case regarding Google Play will be the last.
