Google fights £1 billion UK lawsuit over app store fees in latest Big Tech case
A UK lawsuit worth over £1 billion, brought on behalf of around 20 million consumers, accuses Google of charging excessive Play Store commissions of up to 30% between 2015 and July. Google denies the claim is well-founded and says Android offers consumers choice and developers some of the market’s lowest fees.
1. Consumer claim begins
The lawsuit began at London's Competition Appeal Tribunal on Tuesday. Consumer advocate Liz Coll is leading the claim, which covers people who bought apps through Google’s Play Store or paid for in-app purchases and subscriptions between 2015 and this July.
2. Arguments over commissions
Coll’s lawyers argue Google used its dominant position to charge commissions of up to 30%, which app developers passed on to consumers. They cited YouTube Premium as an example, saying Google passed on the commission it paid when selling the service through Apple’s App Store. Google’s lawyers called the case unfounded and argued that the Play Store faces strong competition, including from Apple’s App Store and other platforms.
3. Related legal cases
The case follows similar UK claims against Apple and Sony over their app and PlayStation stores. In March, Google and Epic Games reached a worldwide settlement under which Google said it would expand billing options and cut developer fees. Last month, Google settled a separate £260 million lawsuit brought on behalf of app developers, without admitting liability or wrongdoing.
