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A proposed settlement involving Google could have significant implications for millions of consumers who made purchases via the Google Play Store over the past several years. This settlement is designed to address concerns tied to alleged monopolistic practices by Google.
WASHINGTON — In a sweeping legal action, the Attorneys General from all 50 U.S. states, along with representatives from the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have collectively filed a lawsuit against Google. The lawsuit claims that Google engaged in monopolistic behavior on its Google Play Store, which purportedly led to consumers paying inflated prices for apps and other digital content. In response, Google has put forward a proposal to settle the case for $700 million.
The legal action covers transactions made on the Google Play Store between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023. The lawsuit accuses Google of breaching federal and state antitrust and consumer protection laws during this period, potentially affecting the pricing of apps and in-app purchases.
Despite agreeing to the $700 million settlement, Google maintains that it does not admit to any wrongdoing or liability. The settlement awaits judicial approval before it can be finalized.
The proposed settlement will extend to anyone in the United States, including residents of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, who made purchases through Google Play Billing. This includes in-game purchases, subscriptions, and ad-free app versions made within the specified dates. For more details regarding eligibility and the settlement process, interested parties are encouraged to visit the settlement website.
Who is eligible to file a claim in the $700 million Google settlement?
Anyone within the United States of America, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who bought something off the Google Play Billing, like in-game purchases, subscriptions, and ad-free versions of apps, between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, is eligible. Find more information on the settlement website.
How to file a claim for the Google settlement
Because this is not a class action lawsuit, no claim is required for most cases, according to the settlement website.
People may have to submit a claim in the following cases:
- Your email address or mobile phone number associated with your Google Play account is not associated with an existing PayPal or Venmo account, and you do not want to create a new PayPal or Venmo account or redirect the payment to a PayPal or Venmo account at another email address or phone number
- You no longer have access to the email address or mobile phone number associated with your Google Play account
- You were expecting to receive a payment but did not.
To opt out of the settlement and retain your right to sue Google for similar reasons, the deadline is Feb. 19, 2026.
How much can you get from the Google settlement?
Claimants who bought something from the Google Play Store between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, will receive at least $2 if a judge approves the proposed settlement. The total amount you’re awarded depends on how much you spent in the app store and how many claimants there are.
When will I get my payment?
The settlement has yet to be approved by a judge. A hearing to approve or deny the settlement will be held on April 30, 2026.
