(Image: PA)
Around 20 million UK consumers and businesses could be entitled to a share in a £1 billion claim against Google.
A more than £1 billion class action is being brought against the tech giant over alleged "hidden charges" on sales through its Google Play Store app.
The claim, led by consumer tech policy expert Liz Coll, is being heard at the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal and is due to begin on Tuesday (October 6).
Ms Coll is seeking damages on behalf of around 20 million UK consumers and businesses.
The case centres on purchases made through the Google Play Store or on Android devices between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026.
Ms Coll said: "Millions of us have paid for apps, games, and subscriptions on our phones without knowing a hidden charge was built into the price.
"This trial is about getting that money back for people who use their phone and apps every day."
What is the claim against Google about?
The claim alleges that Google breached competition law by charging app developers a commission of up to 30% on Play Store purchases, and that it passed this cost on to consumers through higher prices.
It covers a wide range of digital purchases, including:
- Paid apps
- Subscriptions for dating, fitness, music and gaming services
- Premium upgrades
- In-app purchases
For example, if a user spent £10 on gold bars in the game Candy Crush, Google would have taken £3 in commission for most of the claim period, with the remaining £7 going to the app developer.
The case centres on purchases made through the Google Play Store or on Android devices between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026. (Image: Getty Images)
The legal team argues that this commission was effectively a hidden cost for consumers.
The case is being brought with the support of law firm Hausfeld, whose partner Lesley Hannah said: "Google has been able to use its position in the market to charge an excessive commission for well over a decade.
"And it’s the consumer that has paid the price."
The legal action was first launched in 2021 but has faced delays amid separate claims being settled.
In September, Google’s parent company Alphabet agreed to pay £260 million to settle a separate class action on behalf of UK app developers.
A similar claim against Apple was successful last year, with the Competition Appeal Tribunal finding that Apple abused its dominant market position by charging around 30% commission on app sales and in-app purchases.
Google has defended its business model and plans to contest the claim.
A spokesperson for the company said: "Android gives people more choice than any other mobile platform in deciding which apps and app stores they use, with Play offering some of the lowest fees in the market.
"This lawsuit ignores that choice as well as the competitive market in which we operate, and we will defend our services vigorously."
How much money could consumers receive?
Ms Coll is seeking more than £1 billion in damages, which would be distributed among eligible consumers if the claim is successful.
The exact amount each person could receive will depend on the total damages awarded and the number of claimants.
Who qualifies for the £1bn claim?
According to the UK Google Play Store Claim, it covers all individuals and businesses who purchased apps or digital content, services, or subscriptions through the Google Play Store (UK version) between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026.
This includes purchases made on Android smartphones or tablets where the Play Store was pre-installed, but excludes purchases from Google’s own apps.
Eligibility is automatic for those who qualify, unless they choose to opt out.
The UK Google Play Store Claim website states: "[If] you or your business fall within the definition of the ‘class’, you or your business are automatically included in Liz Coll’s collective claim and will be bound by any judgment or settlement unless you chose to opt out of the proceedings."
Proceedings are set to commence on Tuesday at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Did you purchase anything through the Google Play Store or on Android devices between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.