Millions of people are eligible to receive a payment from Google following a major antitrust lawsuit.
Google, the tech giant known for its search engine and Android operating system, has been ordered to pay out a whopping $700 million after being found guilty of violating US antitrust laws. This comes after a series of lawsuits alleging Google abused its power in the mobile app market.
Google’s $700 Million Payout: What Went Wrong?
The lawsuits centered around Google’s Play Store, the app marketplace for Android devices. Google was accused of forcing developers to use its proprietary payment system, which charges a hefty 15 to 30 percent commission on all transactions. This practice, according to critics, stifled competition and limited consumer choice.
The Settlement and Changes
In a landmark settlement, Google agreed to make significant changes to its Play Store policies. Here’s what’s changing:
- Lower Commission: Google’s commission on app transactions will be reduced to 11 to 26 percent.
- More Pricing Options: Developers will be able to offer different prices for their apps directly to consumers, bypassing Google’s payment system.
- Increased Developer Freedom: Developers can now set different prices for their apps within the app itself, without needing Google’s approval.
Who Gets the Money?
As part of the settlement, Google is paying out $630 million to eligible consumers who made purchases on the Play Store between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023. Each eligible consumer will receive a minimum of $2.
read also :
Best Android TV browser for streaming in 2024
The 2024 Best Cheap Smartphones
Google’s $700 Million Payout: How to Claim Your Payment
You don’t need to do anything to claim your share of the payout. Google will automatically notify eligible consumers about the process for receiving their payment.
A Trend of Tech Giant Settlements
This settlement is just the latest in a string of high-profile lawsuits against tech giants. Last year, Google paid out $400 million to Android and iPhone users following a privacy breach. These cases highlight the growing scrutiny of tech companies and their practices.
Stay Tuned
Keep an eye out for updates from Google regarding the payout process. It’s possible you could be getting a little extra cash in your pocket soon!