Google faces a UK class action accusing it of overcharging consumers by applying Play Store commission fees that allegedly raise app prices. Bloomberg and other coverage say the claim involves about 20 million consumers in the UK, with the allegation focused on fees paid over a long period and passed through to end prices.
The dispute is brought before London’s Competition Appeal Tribunal. The Next Web reports that the claim covers conduct said to run from October 2015 and relates to commissions that can be up to 30%. It also says Google is defending a reported £1.2 billion claim. The Next Web adds that Google recently settled a separate equivalent claim from UK app developers for about £260 million, while not admitting wrongdoing.
NDTV reports that Google denies any anti-competitive conduct and asks the tribunal to dismiss the case. Across outlets, the central differences are in the framing and figures emphasized, but they converge on the same core allegation, the tribunal forum, and Google’s denial.
