Google to pay $700 million to US states, consumers in Play store settlement

Google has reached an agreement to pay $700 million and make changes to its Play app store as part of an antitrust settlement with US states and consumers. The settlement resolves complaints filed by the Justice Department and multiple states in 2020, accusing Google of abusing its dominant position in online search. The complaints alleged that Google harmed competition through deals with wireless carriers and smartphone makers that made Google Search the default or only option on their products. The settlement includes a payment of $630 million into a settlement fund for the benefit of consumers and $70 million for the states. The fund will benefit approximately 102 million consumers, who will receive a minimum payment of $2 plus additional payments based on their Google Play spending between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023. Google stated that the settlement allows for choice and competition, while also emphasizing the choice and competition enabled by its platforms during a recent trial. This settlement is one of several antitrust issues that Google is currently facing, including a recent federal jury verdict that deemed its app marketplace an illegal monopoly. The company is also facing ongoing allegations from the Justice Department regarding stifling competition in its search engine. This is a developing story and further updates will be provided.