£260m Google Play developer settlement approved as consumer case heads to trial
UK app developers secure approval for a £260m settlement, but a separate claim alleging 20m consumers paid more through Google Play goes to trial next month.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal has approved a £260 million settlement between Google and UK app developers.
The settlement relates to a claim brought by competition law professor Barry Rodger over commissions charged by Google on sales through its Play Store. Google agreed to settle the proceedings without admitting liability.
Professor Rodger said:
“This is a historic outcome for thousands of UK app developers and for the UK’s collective action regime. I’ve dedicated my career to studying how the largest companies affect those that depend on them, so ensuring compensation for affected businesses through a successful settlement to this claim means a great deal to me.”
He added that the settlement is designed to benefit developers of every size: “This payout will benefit developers of every size, from individuals and start-ups to established companies, who sold apps or digital content through the Google Play Store. With the Tribunal’s approval, we are a step closer to getting money back to affected businesses. I encourage all eligible developers to register on the claim website, so they can claim when the compensation process begins.”
But this settlement doesn’t resolve the separate collective claim brought on behalf of 20 million UK consumers by consumer technology expert Liz Coll, who said:
“Today’s approval is an important step for the app developers covered by this settlement, because it allows them to move towards receiving compensation.
“My separate consumer claim is a different case that now goes to trial. We allege that around 20 million UK consumers paid more than they should have in the Play Store because of Google’s conduct.”
Coll’s case is due to be heard by the Tribunal from 5 October.
Check whether you could be included in the Google Play Store claim and stay up to date on the latest consumer claims, compensation news and practical advice from Consumer Voice.
What is the Google Play consumer claim about?
Coll’s claim alleges that Google abused its dominant position in how Android apps are distributed and paid for by charging developers commissions of up to 30% on digital purchases, a cost she argues was ultimately passed on to consumers through higher prices. Her case seeks more than £1 billion in damages on behalf of an estimated 20 million UK consumers and businesses.
This claim is unaffected by today’s decision and will proceed to trial as planned. At trial, she will need to establish that Google’s conduct amounted to the abuses alleged, and that any resulting overcharge to developers was passed on to consumers, causing real financial loss. Google contests the claim.
Today’s approval relates only to the separate developer settlement, following a hearing at which the Tribunal scrutinised the details, including how payments would be distributed, the independence of those overseeing the process and objections raised by at least one developer concerned about how the settlement value would be split. The Tribunal gave its approval, and Google has agreed to supply developer contact details within four weeks to help with distribution.
Could you be included in the Google Play consumer claim?
If you bought apps, digital content or subscriptions through the UK version of the Google Play Store between 1 October 2015 and 31 July 2026, you may be one of the millions covered by this claim.
This case works on an opt-out basis, so you don’t need to sign up or pay anything to potentially be included. Register with Consumer Voice for updates. This is different from being part of the claim itself; it simply means you’ll be kept informed as the case progresses, including what happens next once the trial concludes.
Want to know if you could be owed money? Stay up to date on the latest consumer claims, compensation news and practical advice from Consumer Voice.
