Google agrees to pay 700 million dollars to customers
Search giant Google has agreed to pay $700 million to settle a lawsuit related to the Play Store and increase competition in the Play Store. Google agreed to the deal under the terms of an antitrust settlement announced in federal court in San Francisco on Monday. News Reuters.
Google said it will pay $630 million to a settlement fund for customers and $70 million to a fund used by states.
All 50 US states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands joined the settlement.
Google has been accused of illegally restricting the distribution of apps on Android devices and overcharging consumers by charging unnecessary fees for in-app transactions. However, Google did not confess.
According to a Reuters report, Google is developing an alternative system for its customers to pay for 'in-app' transactions alongside the existing billing system in the Play Store to expand the ability of app and game makers. In addition, Google has introduced 'Choice Billing' in the US for more than a year.
As part of the settlement, the search giant said it will simplify the process for users to download apps directly from developers. Epic Games sued Google for an injunction, not just a fine.
