Google Faces £1 Billion UK Lawsuit Over Play Store Commissions

LONDON — A mass consumer lawsuit worth over £1 billion ($1.33 billion) against Google began in London on Tuesday, accusing the company of abusing its dominance to charge excessive commissions on app developers. The case, brought on behalf of around 20 million consumers who bought apps or made in-app purchases and subscriptions through Google's Play Store between 2015 and this July, is the latest brought in Britain against Big Tech. Lawyers for consumer advocate Liz Coll, who leads the claim, say Google charged commissions of up to 30% and that developers passed those costs to consumers. Google parent Alphabet is fighting the lawsuit. A spokesperson said the claim ignores the choice the Android platform offers consumers and that Google charges "some of the lowest fees in the market." Google's lawyers argued the Play Store faces strong competitive constraints from Apple's App Store and other platforms. The trial at London's Competition Appeal Tribunal follows similar cases against Apple and Sony. In March, Google and Epic Games reached a worldwide settlement expanding billing options and cutting developer fees. Last month, Google settled a separate £260 million lawsuit brought on behalf of app developers without admitting liability.