attorney general Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Gabe Newell Says Players Have ‘Enormous Choice’ When Pressed on Steam Monopoly Accusations, Report Says

Gabe Newell, founder and president of Valve, denied allegations that Steam operates as a monopoly, stating that gamers have numerous purchasing options beyond Steam, including consoles and other platforms like the Epic Games Store. Steam has maintained its dominance in the digital PC gaming market for over a decade, with a 60% increase in its user base in the past five years, reaching around 42 million active users. Despite competition from Epic Games, which offers an 88% revenue share to developers, it has not displaced Steam. Newell also addressed claims that Valve restricts pricing strategies for publishers on non-Steam platforms, asserting that Valve does not dictate pricing to third-party developers. Valve is currently facing multiple lawsuits, including an antitrust case and another related to loot boxes.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Valve moves to dismiss gambling lawsuit against Counter-Strike 2 cases

Valve is facing a lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James, filed in February 2026, which claims that the sale of Cases in Counter-Strike 2 constitutes unregulated gambling aimed at underage players. The lawsuit seeks to stop Valve's promotion of these features and impose financial penalties. Valve argues that opening a Case is similar to purchasing randomized items, a common practice in collectibles, and is urging the court to dismiss the case. The Attorney General is seeking damages amounting to three times Valve's profits from Case sales and a ban on selling these items in New York. Additionally, Valve is involved in a separate lawsuit in the UK regarding competition restrictions imposed on publishers.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Michigan among states in $700M Google settlement over app store practices

Michigan and 53 other states have received final approval for a [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: In a significant development for consumers and app developers alike, Michigan, along with 53 other states, has secured final approval for a substantial 0 million settlement in a lawsuit against Google. This legal action, initiated in 2021 by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, accused Google of monopolizing in-app payments and stifling competition through its Google Play Store and Android app distribution system. Details of the Settlement The settlement is poised to benefit consumers who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023, as a majority of the funds will be allocated directly to them. Beyond financial restitution, the agreement mandates significant changes to Google's business practices. For a minimum of five years, app developers will gain the freedom to: Utilize alternative payment systems. Inform customers about lower prices available outside of Google’s billing platform. Distribute their apps through competing stores without fear of retaliation. Furthermore, Android users will enjoy the ability to download apps from outside the Play Store for at least the next seven years, enhancing their choices and fostering a more competitive environment. Attorney General Nessel expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Google’s anticompetitive practices stifled competition at the expense of its customers. I am glad we are one step closer to having Google update its business practices and ensuring consumers automatically receive the restitution they are owed. My office remains committed to dismantling illegal monopolies and protecting the hard-earned money of Michiganders.” For those seeking additional information regarding the lawsuit and the settlement, resources are available on the dedicated settlement website." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million settlement in a lawsuit against Google, initiated by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in 2021. The lawsuit accused Google of monopolizing in-app payments and stifling competition through its Google Play Store. The settlement will benefit consumers who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023, with most funds allocated to them. It also requires Google to implement changes, allowing app developers to use alternative payment systems, inform customers about lower prices outside of Google’s billing platform, and distribute apps through competing stores without retaliation. Additionally, Android users will be able to download apps from outside the Play Store for at least the next seven years.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Google to pay $700M in antitrust settlement. See who is eligible

A federal court intends to approve a 0 million settlement in an antitrust lawsuit against Google, confirmed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The lawsuit, initiated in 2021 by Raoul and a coalition of 53 attorneys general, accused Google of monopolistic practices related to Android app distribution and in-app payments, resulting in consumers facing transaction fees of up to 30%. The settlement aims to provide relief to consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023, with most funds allocated directly to these individuals. Google will be required to allow app developers to use alternative payment systems for at least five years and inform consumers about potentially lower prices outside its billing framework. Additionally, Android users will be able to download apps from outside the Play Store for at least seven years. Payments to eligible individuals will be processed directly through PayPal or Venmo, with alternative claim options available. U.S. District Judge James Donato granted final approval to the settlement on April 30, raising concerns about the request for attorneys' fees.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Roblox’s age verification checks are “unpopular,” but chief safety officer Matt Kaufman says they’re worth the cost

Roblox developers face challenges due to new mandatory security measures and age verification restrictions, which have sparked debate among them. To publish games aimed at younger players, developers must now meet specific criteria tied to the new Roblox Plus subscription service, which has replaced the previous Premium model. Concerns have been raised about the impact of these changes on the platform's future, with players expressing frustration over the lack of concessions made in response to feedback. Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman acknowledged the unpopularity of the changes but emphasized their necessity for ensuring age-appropriate content. Additionally, Roblox recently settled a proposed lawsuit from Nevada for million, which will fund children's programs and an online safety awareness campaign. Proposed changes to game publishing are set to take effect in June, allowing developers to create games without a subscription, but those games will only be visible to users aged 16 and older.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

New York Sues Valve Over Loot Boxes, Calls Them Illegal Gambling

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, the creator of Steam, regarding loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2, claiming they promote gambling behaviors among youth. The state seeks to stop Valve's use of loot boxes and impose financial penalties. The lawsuit argues that loot boxes resemble traditional slot machines and that items obtained can be traded for real-world value, with a virtual gun skin from Counter-Strike 2 reportedly selling for over a million dollars in 2024. The lawsuit claims Valve intentionally makes high-value items rare to increase their perceived worth and highlights the potential for addiction and illegal gambling, particularly among young people. Valve has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Meta executive called Facebook Messenger encryption plan irresponsible court filing shows

Meta is implementing end-to-end encryption across its messaging services for Facebook and Instagram despite internal warnings about potential risks to child safety. Internal documents reveal that executives, including Monika Bickert, expressed concerns that the encryption would hinder the company's ability to report child exploitation incidents to law enforcement. A lawsuit filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez accuses Meta of enabling predators to access underage users, leading to potential abuse and human trafficking. The New Mexico case is notable as it is the first against Meta to reach a jury amid heightened scrutiny regarding the safety of young users. Over 40 attorneys general are also pursuing claims that Meta's products contribute to youth mental health issues, and various school districts have filed lawsuits. Internal communications indicated that senior safety executives were worried about the implications of encryption, predicting a significant drop in reporting child exploitation cases. A briefing document from February 2019 estimated that child exploitation reporting would decrease by 65% if Messenger were encrypted. In response to these concerns, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone stated that the apprehensions from 2019 led to the development of additional safety features prior to the launch of encrypted messaging in 2023, including special accounts for underage users to protect them from adult contacts they do not know.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

UK-based pair behind messaging app accused of giving data to Iranian regime

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani, co-founders of TS Information Technology, operate a messaging app called Gap Messenger, which is associated with the Iranian regime. Their company is based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, and is linked to the Iranian software corporation Towse’e Saman Information Technology (TSIT). Despite claims of encryption and user privacy, experts have raised concerns about Gap Messenger's role in government censorship in Iran. Mahdi Anjidani has expressed pro-regime views in Iranian media and has connections to the Iranian government through his ventures. Gap Messenger has over 1 million downloads on Google Play and is part of Iran's domestic internet network aimed at controlling citizen access to information. Reports suggest that the app may have shared user data with Iranian authorities. The Anjidani brothers have ties to various business ventures in Iran, including a social network and a payment platform.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

UK-based founders accused of sharing app data with Iranian authorities

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani lead TS Information Technology, a UK branch of the Iranian firm Towse’e Saman Information Technology, known for developing Gap Messenger, a domestic alternative to Telegram. The company is registered in West Sussex, UK. Gap Messenger claims to be encrypted and not share user data with third parties, but Iranian digital rights researchers have raised concerns about its involvement in state surveillance, supported by leaked emails from Iran’s attorney general's office from 2022. Mahdi Anjidani, the CEO, has publicly supported government regulation of foreign messaging apps and has identified himself as a proponent of the Islamic Revolution. Gap Messenger operates within Iran's state-controlled internet, often during internet shutdowns linked to protests. The Anjidani brothers' business operations suggest a close alignment with Iranian authorities, as domestic messaging platforms typically require significant political backing to operate.

AppWizard

December 5, 2025

Android Users Are Getting Checks From Google’s $700M App Store Settlement – Here’s How

A coalition of 53 attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming the company has engaged in monopolistic practices by imposing fees up to 30% on app purchases and in-app transactions, which has suppressed competition and raised prices. A settlement fund of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: 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." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] million has been established, and eligible consumers may receive payouts without taking action if they have a linked PayPal or Venmo account. Claimants have begun receiving legal notices, with a minimum payout expected, and a final approval hearing is scheduled for April 30, 2026. Automatic payments will be distributed shortly after approval, while a supplemental claims process will be available for those not receiving automatic payments. Individuals can opt out of the settlement by February 19, 2026, to retain the right to pursue separate legal action. Google has a history of financial settlements for alleged misconduct, including a previous [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: 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." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].4 billion settlement in Texas and a billion lawsuit related to user tracking.