Millions of people eligible to receive money after $700 million Google Play Store antitrust settlement
Sacramento, California – This week, California’s push to hold large tech companies accountable reached a new level. Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the start of the notification process, which will let millions of people get money from the $700 million Google Play Store antitrust settlement. The lawsuit says that Google’s unfair business tactics caused people to pay excessively for apps and in-app purchases. This move is the first big step toward giving that money back to customers.
In 2023, California and 53 other attorneys general negotiated a settlement with Google after accusing the company of illegally dominating the markets for Android app distribution and in-app payments. State officials said that Google hindered competition by not allowing other app shops to be installed on Android smartphones, making it tougher for developers to make competing platforms, and putting up technical barriers that made it harder for customers to sideload programs. They stated these measures hurt consumers and let Google get stronger at the price of fair competition.
Attorney General Bonta pointed out that the start of the notification process is very important for Californians who suffered damage by these actions.
“Google took advantage of Android phone customers by limiting consumer choice, inflating prices on in-app purchases, and creating an unfair marketplace. California stood up to Google, took it to court, and secured a great settlement,” said Attorney General Bonta.
“Now, I am proud to announce the start of the process that ensures Google’s ill-gotten profits are distributed to consumers that were harmed by this conduct. My office is committed to protecting consumers, holding industry accountable, and ensuring the wallets of hardworking Californians are protected from illegal actions by big corporations.”
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According to the settlement, Google would pay $630 million, after fees and costs, to those who bought things on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023. Most people who are eligible won’t have to do anything. The settlement administrator will send an email to everyone who is affected. When the court gives its final permission, funds will be sent immediately through PayPal or Venmo. Each user’s Google Play account will have an email address or phone number that will get the notices.
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People who don’t want to be part of the settlement can ask to be left out by February 19, 2026. Anyone who wants to file an objection must do so by that same date. Payments will start after the last approval hearing on April 30, 2026. You may find out more about the procedure and the exact details of the settlement at GooglePlayStateAGAntitrustLitigation.com.
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In addition to paying consumers, Google will also pay the states that took part an extra $70 million for penalties, fees, and other sovereign claims. The restitution comes after a 2021 lawsuit in which attorneys general described a pattern of behavior they said was meant to protect Google’s app ecosystem from genuine competition.
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State officials say that now that the notification process has started, the focus is on making sure that Californians who were hurt get the money they are promised and that the digital marketplace becomes more open and competitive in the future.
