California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced the start of the notice process for consumers to receive payments from a $700 million settlement with Google. The settlement, reached in 2023 by Bonta and a coalition of 53 attorneys general, addresses allegations that Google violated antitrust laws by monopolizing the Android smartphone application market.
According to Attorney General Bonta, “Google took advantage of Android phone customers by limiting consumer choice, inflating prices on in-app purchases, and creating an unfair marketplace. California stood up to Google, took it to court, and secured a great settlement. Now, I am proud to announce the start of the process that ensures Google’s ill-gotten profits are distributed to consumers that were harmed by this conduct. My office is committed to protecting consumers, holding industry accountable, and ensuring the wallets of hardworking Californians are protected from illegal actions by big corporations.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Google will pay $630 million—minus costs and fees—to consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were affected by Google’s practices. Most eligible consumers will not need to take any action to receive their payment.
Consumers covered by this settlement will be notified via email about their eligibility. The notice administrator will also promote awareness through various platforms. After completion of this notification process, a final approval hearing is scheduled for April 30, 2026. If approved by the court at that time, funds will be distributed automatically through PayPal or Venmo using contact information associated with each consumer’s Google Play account.
Those who wish to opt out of receiving payment or pursue separate legal action against Google must submit a request online or in writing before February 19, 2026. Similarly, any objections to the settlement must be filed in writing by that date.
In addition to consumer compensation, Google is required under the agreement to pay an extra $70 million for state claims including penalties and costs.
The original lawsuit was filed in 2021 after multiple states accused Google of unlawfully controlling app distribution on Android devices through restrictive contracts and technological barriers designed to suppress competition from other app stores.
Further details about eligibility requirements and deadlines can be found at www.GooglePlayStateAGAntitrustLitigation.com.
