Google is facing a legal claim worth more than £1 billion in Britain over allegations that it abused its dominant position in the mobile app market and charged excessive fees to consumers.
The case is being heard by the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal and could affect millions of people who bought apps, games and digital subscriptions through Google Play.
The collective action has been brought on behalf of about 20 million UK consumers and businesses that purchased products through the Google Play Store or Android devices between October 2015 and July 2026.
Google accused of excessive commissions
The claim alleges that Google charged app developers commissions of up to 30% on purchases made through the Play Store.
The claimants argue that developers passed some or all of those costs on to consumers through higher prices.
The case covers digital purchases including paid apps, subscriptions, gaming products, upgrades and in-app purchases.
For instance, consumers who bought digital items in games may have paid prices that included the commission charged by Google.
The legal action alleges that Google used its dominant position in the mobile operating-system market to impose unfair terms on developers and consumers.
Google rejects allegations
Google has rejected the allegations and said it would defend its services vigorously.
The company argues that Android offers consumers greater choice than other mobile platforms because users can access different app stores and install applications through alternative routes.
Google has also said its Play Store fees are among the lowest in the market.
The case was launched in 2021 but faced delays while other legal proceedings involving Google were dealt with.
Google’s parent company, Alphabet, agreed in September to pay £260 million to settle a separate class action brought on behalf of UK app developers.
Case could affect app store fees
The latest case is being led by consumer technology policy expert Liz Coll and represented by law firm Hausfeld.
Coll argues that consumers may have paid more for digital products because of commissions charged through Google’s platform.
The case follows a major ruling involving Apple last year, when the Competition Appeal Tribunal found that the company had abused its dominant position by charging commissions on app sales and in-app purchases.
The Google case could have significant implications for the technology industry if the tribunal rules against the company.
A ruling could affect how app store commissions are structured and potentially influence the prices paid by millions of consumers in Britain.
