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Michigan Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Google Play Store
Russ Survance
Wed, 06 May 2026 08:35:19 EDT
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A federal judge in California is expected to give final approval to a $700 million settlement resolving a multistate antitrust case against Google over its Android app marketplace.
The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by a bipartisan coalition of 53 attorneys general including Michigan's Dana Nessel, accused the company of restricting competition in app distribution and in-app payment systems through the Google Play Store.
Under the agreement, most of the settlement money will be distributed directly to consumers who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023. Many eligible users are expected to receive payments automatically through digital platforms such as PayPal or Venmo, while others will have the option to file a claim.
The settlement also requires changes to Google's business practices. For at least five years, app developers will be allowed to use alternative payment systems and inform users about lower prices outside Google's billing platform. Developers will also be able to offer their apps through competing app stores without retaliation. In addition, Android users will retain the ability to download apps from outside the Play Store for at least seven years.
State officials say the agreement is intended to increase competition and return money to consumers affected by past practices, bringing an end to a case that has been underway for several years.
