Google Faces £1 Billion UK Lawsuit Over Play Store Fees

Google is facing a £1 billion legal claim in the UK over alleged "hidden charges" on Play Store app sales. The class action, filed on behalf of around 20 million UK consumers and businesses, covers purchases made between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026. The lawsuit argues that Google violated competition law by taking up to a 30% commission from app developers, which was then passed on to consumers through higher prices.

The claim includes paid apps, subscription services like dating, fitness, music, and gaming apps, as well as in-game purchases such as coins, gems, and power-ups. For example, if a player spent £10 on in-game items, Google retained £3 while passing £7 to the game developer. The legal action alleges that this £3 deduction was ultimately absorbed by consumers through inflated prices.

Google defends its practices, stating that its Play Store offers some of the lowest fees in the market. A spokesman said, "Android gives people more choice than any other mobile platform in deciding which apps and app stores they use, with Play offering some of the lowest fees in the market." The company plans to "defend our services vigorously."

The case is being brought by Liz Coll, a consumer tech policy expert, and is represented by law firm Hausfeld. Coll stated, "Millions of us have paid for apps, games and subscriptions on our phones without knowing a hidden charge was built into the price." This trial aims to recover that money for consumers. Lesley Hannah, a partner at Hausfeld, added, "Google has been able to use its position in the market to charge an excessive commission for well over a decade."