If you’ve purchased apps from the Google Play Store, or made an in-app purchase through Google Play, between August 2016 and September 2023, you could be eligible for a portion of the company’s $700 million settlement.
The news of the settlement comes after states across the country sued Google for a number of activities related to its Play Store.
The charges include overcharging users and creators, as well as creating a monopoly, forcing Android users to only download apps from the Play Store, and forcing app developers to handle all payments through the Google Play Store – which Google then gets commission.
“No company, no matter how large or powerful, is allowed to corner a market and use its influence to overcharge consumers and smother competition,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “For too long, Google abused its market share to unfairly raise prices and block developers from selling products in other app stores.”
Google is making things right
In addition to the settlement, Google has committed to allowing Android users freedom of choice when it comes to how and where they download apps. As for app developers, they will now have options when it comes to how they collect payments, rather than being forced to go through the Play Store.
“This settlement builds on Android’s choice and flexibility, maintains strong security protections, and retains Google’s ability to compete with other OS makers, and invest in the Android ecosystem for users and developers,” Wilson White, Google’s vice president of government affairs and public policy, said in a statement. “We’re pleased to resolve our case with the states and move forward on a settlement.”
What can consumers expect?
Over 102 million consumers are expected to be eligible for a portion of the $700 million settlement, which breaks down as follows:
$630 million: This money will go directly to eligible consumers who have purchased apps in the Google Play Store or made in-app purchases through the Google Play Store between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023.
$70 million: This money will go directly to funds for states to utilize when consumers are involved in similar cases.
Consumers who are eligible for a piece of the settlement won’t have to do anything to receive their money. They will be contacted about their eligibility and they can opt to receive a direct deposit, Venmo or PayPal transfer, or a mailed check.
Additionally, consumers’ final payouts from the settlement will depend on how much money they’ve spent in the Google Play Store over the last several years. The more money spent, the more money you’ll be eligible for in the settlement.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2023-12-20 12:03:57
