20 million Android users automatically included in massive £1bn lawsuit
Another tech giant is getting a slap on the wrist, with a class action lawsuit potentially forcing Google to shell out £1 billion ($1.32 billion) thanks to purchases made from the Google Play Store.
There's been an uptick in activity of lawsuits against the Big Five of Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Apple, Meta (Facebook), and Microsoft.
Yet again, it's the various app stores that are in the news, with Android owners getting a possible payout amid accusations that the Google Play Store has been taking an unfair cut of our purchases.
What is the Google class action lawsuit?
As reported by Reuters, lawyers representing consumer advocate Liz Coll maintain that Google abused its market dominance to charge 30% on apps through the Play Store, as well as on in-app purchases and subscriptions.
Advert
You might remember this was similar to the infamous Epic Games v. Apple lawsuit where the former alleged antitrust violations and that the latter had a monopoly over iOS app distribution.
Customers know this all too well, with a £1.5 billion lawsuit seeing them being awarded compensation over Apple's App Store practices.
When it comes to the Google Play Store, Alphabet is arguing against Coll's claims. A spokesperson says the lawsuit ignores the choice that the Android store offers, reiterating that it has "some of the lowest fees in the market".
Google lawyers call Coll's case unfounded and say the Play Store is stuck between a rock and a hard place as it "faces strong competitive constraints both on the developer and consumer sides" from the likes of Apple's App Store.
We're reminded that Google has had its own brush with Epic Games, and in March 2026, the pair reached a worldwide settlement where Google vowed to expand billing options and slash developer fees.
In September 2026, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) approved a $260 million lawsuit in favor of UK app developers. Brought forward by leading competition law academic Professor Barry Rodger, the case alleged that Google abused its dominant position against UK businesses for apps sold on the Play Store from August 2018 onwards. Google didn't admit any liability or wrongdoing, but decided to settle.
How much can you get from Google's Android lawsuit?
In terms of what Android users in the UK could be owed, the case is The case is structured as an "opt-out" class action under the UK's Consumer Rights Act 2015. You don't currently need to have an Android phone, but if you had one between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026, you could be in for a windfall. This isn't the only caveat, as you need to have made an in-app purchase or subscription during that period.
The lawsuit covers paid-for apps and in-game extras that might include the likes of coins, characters, or extra lives. It extends to subscriptions for everything from dating to music apps, as well as upgrading to features like an ad-free version.
Note that it excludes purchases that are made directly within Google's own first-party apps
Research from UK regulator Ofcom suggests that most of those affected will be in the older age bracket. 57% of smartphone users over the age of 65 use an Android phone, which dwindles to just 31% of those between the ages of 16 and 24.
Coll is seeking a maximum £1.2 billion, and if split across the estimated 20 million class members, you could be getting about £60 each.
You need to remember that a portion of the final payout might go to legal representation and admin fees, but with everyone likely to get a flat rate, it could still be an unexpected bonus in our pockets.