$700M Settlement Reached in Google Antitrust Lawsuit
A $700 million settlement has been reached in a nationwide antitrust lawsuit against Google. The lawsuit accused Google of using its control over app distribution and in-app billing on certain Android devices to maintain a monopoly, resulting in higher prices for consumers and limited competition.
The settlement requires Google to change its business practices, including allowing developers to offer alternative payment options, alerting users to cheaper prices outside the Google Play Store's billing system, and promoting apps on rival stores without retaliation. Additionally, Android users will be allowed to install apps from outside the Play Store for at least seven years.
Consumers who purchased an app through Google Play or made in-app purchases between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, may be eligible for payment. The settlement administrator expects most payments to be sent automatically, with consumers not needing to submit a claim form.