A federal court has granted final approval for a significant 0 million settlement involving Google, stemming from a lawsuit initiated in 2021 by a coalition of 53 state attorneys general. The lawsuit accused the tech giant of unlawfully monopolizing the distribution of Android apps and in-app payments. According to the allegations, Google leveraged its dominant market position to impose fees as high as 30% on consumers for app purchases and in-app transactions, fees that the attorneys general argued were ultimately passed on to consumers in the form of inflated prices.
As part of the settlement, Google has allocated 0 million to a consumer reimbursement fund, in addition to million designated for the states involved in the lawsuit. Importantly, Google did not admit to any wrongdoing in connection with this settlement.
Do you qualify?
If you made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and believe you were adversely affected by Google’s alleged anticompetitive practices, you may be eligible for a portion of the settlement fund. This timeframe encompasses seven years of app purchases, in-app transactions, and subscriptions processed through Google Play’s billing system. Given the extensive reach of the Play Store, it is estimated that tens of millions of U.S. Android users may qualify.
How much will you get?
Payouts will be distributed based on individual spending during the class period, with all eligible participants guaranteed a minimum payment of .00. Those who spent more on the Google Play Store can expect larger payouts. While the 0 million consumer fund is substantial, it is important to note that attorney fees and administrative costs will be deducted before individual payments are issued, as is customary in class action settlements.
You probably don’t need to do anything
For most affected consumers, no further action is required to receive a payment. The settlement fund will facilitate the majority of payments automatically, eliminating the need for a claim form in most instances. Eligible consumers will receive a notification via email from PayPal or a text message from Venmo, sent to the email address or mobile number associated with their Google Play account. If that contact information is linked to a PayPal or Venmo account, the payment will be deposited directly. Should the contact information differ, recipients will have the option to redirect the payment to an alternative PayPal or Venmo account.
If you believe you qualify but do not receive a notification, it is advisable to visit the Google Play State AG Antitrust Litigation site for further information. However, be aware that the site may not function correctly if accessed through a VPN.
What if you don’t have PayPal or Venmo?
For individuals who prefer not to create a PayPal or Venmo account, or who no longer have access to the email address or phone number linked to their Google Play account, a supplemental claims process will be available. Additional details regarding this process will be provided on the settlement website following the distribution of automatic payments.
Two more Google settlements worth knowing about
The 0 million settlement is not the only financial matter involving Google at present. A separate 5 million settlement addresses claims from Android users who allege that Google secretly utilized their cellular data in the background without consent, potentially impacting over 100 million U.S. Android users. Similar to the previous settlement, no claim form is necessary; payments will be made automatically via Zelle, PayPal/Venmo, ACH, or a virtual Mastercard, with estimated payouts ranging from .01 to .48 per person. The deadline to opt out of this settlement is May 29, 2026.
Additionally, there is a smaller, California-specific million settlement for individuals who paid for at least one renewal of a Google Play subscription between May 30, 2014, and October 27, 2019. Participants in this settlement can expect an estimated payout of approximately .85 per person, with an opt-out deadline of May 9, 2026, and a final approval hearing scheduled for July 23.
