Google is gearing up to distribute a $700 million settlement this spring following a lawsuit accusing the company of monopolizing Android app distribution and overcharging users on the Play Store.
Settlement Details
The lawsuit, brought by US states, claimed Google held an illegal monopoly on Android app sales, leading to inflated prices for apps and in-app purchases. Although Google denied any wrongdoing, the settlement was finalized in 2023.
Payments to affected users are expected to begin shortly after a fairness hearing scheduled for April 30, 2024.
Who Qualifies?
If you own a Google account and made purchases on the Play Store between 2016 and 2023, you could be eligible for a payout. This includes users across all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
How Much Will You Get?
Each eligible user will receive at least $2, with the amount potentially increasing based on how much was spent on the Play Store during the covered period.
Getting Your Money
Most payouts will be automatic. Google will notify recipients via the phone number or email linked to their Google account. If you have a PayPal or Venmo account connected to your Google account, the money will be deposited there directly.
If you no longer have access to the Google account used for purchases, a supplemental claims process will be available after the automatic payments are sent out.
For those without a linked PayPal or Venmo, the settlement site allows routing the payout to a different or newly created account, though this might require extra effort.
Need More Info?
Unsure if you qualify? You can call 1-866-905-8127 or email info@GooglePlayStateAGAntitrustLitigation.com for assistance.
This settlement is a win for Android users who may have been overcharged, and the process is designed to be as hassle-free as possible.