Google Play Customers Eligible for Automatic Payments from $700 Million Settlement
Google will automatically distribute $700 million to eligible Google Play customers harmed by its app pricing and payment control policies.Summary
A $700 million settlement has been reached with Google, making automatic payments available to millions of Google Play customers who purchased apps or made in-app purchases between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023. State attorneys general initiated the case, arguing that Google’s control over app prices and payments on Android phones harmed consumers. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield emphasized the case was about controlling choices and prices for everyday users. While Google denies wrongdoing, it will pay the settlement and modify its app store practices to give developers more freedom and potentially lower app prices. Payments will be automatically distributed via PayPal or Venmo to the email address or phone number associated with the user’s Google Play account, with a minimum payout of $2. The court is expected to grant final approval next spring, and notifications have already begun being sent to eligible customers.
(Source：International Business Times)