Google Fights £1 Billion UK Lawsuit Over Play Store Commissions

Google is facing a massive £1 billion class action lawsuit in the UK over the commissions it charges through the Google Play Store. The claim covers approximately 20 million UK consumers and businesses who made purchases via Google Play or Android devices between October 2015 and July 2026. The lawsuit alleges that Google violated competition law by imposing up to 30% commissions on app developers, which it claims were passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. The case encompasses paid apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions, including those from dating, fitness, music, and gaming apps.

The claim was brought in 2021 by consumer technology policy expert Liz Coll, with law firm Hausfeld representing the claimants. The case has now progressed to the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal. Google has denied the allegations, arguing that Android offers consumers more choice than other mobile platforms. The company also asserts that Google Play provides some of the lowest fees in the market and plans to vigorously defend its position.

This trial follows a similar case against Apple, where the Competition Appeal Tribunal ruled last year that Apple abused its dominant market position by charging around 30% commissions on App Store sales and in-app purchases. The ruling sought damages for millions of UK Apple users. Additionally, Google recently settled a separate case over its Play Store commissions, with the Competition Appeal Tribunal approving a £260 million settlement in a class action brought by UK app developers. The developers had argued that Google restricted alternative app distribution and charged excessive commissions, though Google denied any liability.