Google Play Store Settlement: Millions to Receive Payouts Over Alleged Antitrust Violations
Consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 may soon be eligible to receive a share of a $700 million settlement. This significant payout stems from allegations of anticompetitive practices by the tech giant.
In 2023, Google reached an agreement with a coalition of U.S. attorneys general. While the agreement was initially settled, eligible individuals have only recently begun receiving notifications regarding their potential payouts. Several state attorneys general, including Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, confirmed the details of the settlement in early December.
The core of the legal challenge accused Google of inflating prices for users of its Google Play Store. The states argued that Google monopolized app distribution and limited consumer choice by imposing substantial commissions on in-app purchases and app sales.
Understanding the Allegations
Similar to how Apple operates its App Store, Google collects commissions on transactions made through its platform. These commissions reportedly range from 15% to 30% on in-app purchases. State attorneys general contended that these fees artificially increased the cost of apps and in-app content, as prices would likely be lower in a more open marketplace. Evidence presented during legal proceedings indicated that these commissions generated billions of dollars in annual profits for Google.
Google has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to these allegations.
Key Dates and Settlement Details
The settlement is awaiting final court approval. A hearing to finalize the agreement is scheduled for April 30, 2026.
To qualify for a payment, which the settlement website states will be “at least $2,” individuals must have made a qualifying purchase on the Google Play Store within the specified timeframe: August 16, 2016, to September 30, 2023. Additionally, recipients must have been residents of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands at the time of their purchase.
Qualifying purchases include:
- The purchase of an application.
- The acquisition of in-app content, such as virtual goods or game credits.
- Payments for services, including subscriptions or the purchase of ad-free versions of apps.
The actual amount received by each individual could exceed $2, depending on the total amount spent on qualifying Play Store purchases during the settlement period.
Automatic Payments and Claim Process
Following final court approval, an estimated 102 million consumers are expected to receive automatic payments. These disbursements will be made via PayPal or Venmo, sent to the email address or phone number associated with their Google Play account.
If a consumer’s contact information linked to their Google Play account does not match an existing PayPal or Venmo account, they will receive instructions on how to set up an account or redirect the payment.
- Deadline for Opt-Out or Objections: February 19, 2026.
- Final Settlement Approval Hearing: April 30, 2026.
Crucially, there is no need for most eligible individuals to file a claim. Payments will be automatically processed for qualifying class members. However, a supplemental claims process will be established for those who believe they qualify but do not receive an automatic payment.
This supplemental process will commence after the initial automatic disbursements have been completed. It is designed for individuals who:
- Do not have a PayPal or Venmo account and are unwilling to create one.
- No longer have access to the email address or phone number previously linked to their Google Play account.
- Expected to receive a payment but did not get one during the automatic disbursement phase.