Google Faces £1bn UK Claim Over Play Store Charges

Google faces a UK class action seeking more than £1 billion in damages over commissions charged through its Play Store. The case covers around 20 million UK consumers and businesses that made purchases through Google Play or Android devices between October 2015 and July 2026.

The claim alleges that Google broke competition law by charging app developers commissions of up to 30%. It argues that developers passed those costs on to consumers through higher prices. The case covers paid apps, in-app purchases and subscriptions, including payments made through dating, fitness, music and gaming apps.

Consumer technology policy expert Liz Coll brought the case in 2021, with law firm Hausfeld representing the claim. The case has now reached the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal. Google denies the allegations and argues that Android gives consumers more choice than other mobile platforms. It says Google Play offers some of the lowest fees in the market and plans to defend the case.

The trial follows a similar case against Apple. Last year, the Competition Appeal Tribunal found that Apple abused its dominant market position by charging excessive commissions of around 30% on App Store sales and in-app purchases. The case sought damages on behalf of millions of UK Apple users.

Google recently settled a separate case over its Play Store commissions. In September, the Competition Appeal Tribunal approved a £260 million settlement in a class action brought on behalf of UK app developers. The developers argued that Google restricted alternative app distribution and charged excessive commissions. Google denied liability.

Source: Irish News