OLYMPIA, Wash.-Google Play Store users in Washington may be eligible for a share of a nationwide $700 million resolution against Google.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that Washingtonians may be eligible on Dec. 19, under a multistate antitrust lawsuit filed against Google in 2021.
“This resolution stops Google from rigging the system and creates a more level playing field,” said AG Bob Ferguson. “We will continue to fight for a competitive marketplace that increases consumer choice, improves affordability and provides a level playing field for business.”
The lawsuit alleged that Google used anti-competitive practices to shield the Google Play Store from competition, forcing other developers to raise app prices for users to pay Google’s fees.
Washingtonians will receive an estimated $10.6 million in reimbursements for their overpayments, with each eligible consumer receiving at least $2, with additional payments depending on how much they spent in the Play Store between August of 2016 and September of 2023, according to the AG’s Office.
Residents with Android phones who paid for apps through the Play Store, or paid for in-app purchases, are eligible for the payments.
Washingtonians eligible for refunds do not need to file claims, instead payments will automatically be made directly to PayPal or Venmo accounts associated with Washingtonians’ Play Store accounts.
If automatic payments are not possible for any reason, a settlement administrator will contact users to arrange for an alternate method of reimbursement.
According to the lawsuit, Google’s anticompetitive tactics included blocking non-Google Play Store apps from advertising on Google search platforms.
As part of the resolution, Google must also place prohibitions on contracts that maintain the Play Store’s exclusivity on phones, allowing the installation of third-party apps on Android phones outside of the Play Store.
