Google fights £1 billion UK lawsuit over app store fees in latest Big Tech case
Google is facing a £1 billion lawsuit in London over allegations that it abused its market dominance to charge excessive commissions on its Play Store. The case, brought on behalf of 20 million consumers, claims these fees were passed down to users through higher prices for apps and subscriptions.
Why it matters
This case represents a significant legal challenge to Big Tech's app store business models and could set a precedent for how digital marketplaces are regulated in the UK.
Google was accused of abusing its dominance to levy excessive commissions on app developers, as a mass consumer lawsuit worth over £1 billion ($1.33 billion) began in London on Tuesday.
The case — brought on behalf of around 20 million consumers who bought apps through Google’s Play Store, or paid for in-app purchases and subscriptions between 2015 and this July — is the latest brought in Britain against Big Tech.
Lawyers representing consumer advocate Liz Coll, who is leading the claim, say Google used its dominant position to charge commissions of up to 30% on purchases of apps through its Play Store , as well as on in-app purchases and subscriptions.
They argue that those excessive commissions were passed on by app developers to consumers, citing as an example that when Google sold YouTube Premium through Apple’s App Store it also decided to pass on the commission it was charged.
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