Google strikes tentative settlement in play store lawsuit

Alphabet Inc.’s Google has reached a tentative settlement concerning accusations of its Play Store violating federal antitrust rules. The details of this settlement, which pertains to allegations of overcharging customers, remain undisclosed.

More than 30 U.S. states brought the action, suggesting that Google’s perceived monopoly might have led consumers to spend more on applications. The attorney general of Utah led this group, and their proposed settlement has put a hold on the trial previously scheduled for Nov. 6. While Google has refrained from commenting on the allegations and proposed settlement, their silence is notable.

Many New Yorkers find themselves among the 21 million represented consumers, awaiting clarity on the potential repercussions of this settlement on their digital lives and expenses.

“No company is too big to play by the rules, including Google,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “We brought this lawsuit because it is illegal to use monopoly power to drive up prices. We appreciate this bipartisan group of attorneys general who fought for a fair marketplace that encourages competition, innovation and lower prices for consumers. We look forward to finalizing this agreement and sharing more details in the next 30 days.”

The lawsuit initially alleged that Google’s monopoly in the Android app market had artificially inflated prices for paid apps and in-app purchases. A finalized agreement is anticipated in the next month, revealing the terms and specifics of the settlement.

The ramifications of this lawsuit are further complicated by similar legal battles Google faces. Notably, the company is preparing for several antitrust lawsuits in the next year, including a trial against the Justice Department and a coalition of state attorneys general, focusing on Google’s dominant role in online searches.

The Play Store lawsuit, originally filed in July 2021, challenged…