Google faces a major UK class action alleging that excessive Play Store commissions caused financial losses to millions of consumers and businesses.

Google Faces £1 Billion Lawsuit Over Play Store Fees

Google has rejected the allegations and said the Play Store offers some of the lowest fees in the market.

By News Desk On Oct 6, 2026

LONDON: (News Desk) – A major class action lawsuit against Google opened in London on Tuesday, with the technology giant accused of charging excessive commissions through its Google Play Store.

The case, being heard by the Competition Appeal Tribunal, could affect around 20 million UK consumers and businesses, with the plaintiffs seeking more than £1 billion ($1.3 billion) in damages.

The seven-week hearing concerns purchases made through the Google Play Store in the UK between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026.

The plaintiffs allege that Google abused its dominant position in the mobile app market by charging commissions of up to 30 percent on purchases made through the Play Store.

Liz Coll, an independent consultant leading the class action with law firm Hausfeld, said consumers had ultimately paid the cost of what the plaintiffs describe as unfair and excessive charges.

Google has rejected the allegations and said the Play Store offers some of the lowest fees in the market.

A Google spokesperson also argued that Android provides users with greater choice than other mobile platforms, including the ability to choose which apps and app stores they use.

The company said the lawsuit failed to take that choice and the competitive nature of the market into account, adding that it would “defend our services vigorously.”

The case comes after Apple lost a similar UK lawsuit in late 2025. The damages in that case have yet to be determined, with the plaintiffs estimating the amount could exceed £1.5 billion.

Google has also recently settled a separate class action brought on behalf of thousands of UK app developers. The £260 million settlement was approved by the Competition Appeal Tribunal last month.

Under the agreement, eligible developers are expected to receive around £160 million in compensation, while the remaining amount will cover costs associated with financing and conducting the legal proceedings.

Under UK rules governing this type of class action, potentially affected individuals are automatically included in the proceedings and could benefit from any compensation awarded, unless they formally choose to opt out.