Google hit with £1 billion UK lawsuit over Play Store fees

A major legal battle has begun in the UK, with Google facing a £1 billion lawsuit over its Play Store fees. The claim, filed on behalf of approximately 20 million UK consumers and businesses, alleges that Google violated competition law by charging app developers a commission of up to 30%. This fee, according to the lawsuit, was then passed on to buyers through higher prices for paid apps, subscriptions, and in-game purchases.

The lawsuit covers transactions made on the Google Play Store between October 2015 and July 2026. Consumer policy expert Liz Coll is leading the legal action, which is being heard at the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal. Google has responded by vowing to defend its services vigorously, arguing that it operates in a competitive market and offers some of the lowest fees available.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between tech giants and regulators over fair pricing and market competition. Google's defense centers on the idea that its fees are justified within a competitive landscape, but the plaintiffs argue that the high commissions have led to inflated prices for end-users.