20 Million UK Consumers Could Share in £1bn Google Claim over 'Hidden Charges'
The class action alleges Google passed up to 30% Play Store commissions into higher prices for paid apps, subscriptions and in-app purchases.
- On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the Competition Appeal Tribunal begins hearing a class-action claim against Google seeking more than £1 billion for alleged "hidden charges" on Play Store app purchases.
- Consumer tech policy expert Liz Coll alleges the tech giant broke competition law by charging app developers up to 30% commission, costs she asserts were passed onto users through higher prices.
- Covering purchases between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026, the case impacts around 20 million UK consumers; a £10 Candy Crush in-game purchase included a £3 commission kept by the firm.
- A spokesperson stated the company will "defend our services vigorously" while maintaining its fees are competitive, though the CAT previously ruled against Apple for similar practices last year.
- Following a separate £260 million settlement by Alphabet in September, this consumer trial proceeds despite delays since the 2021 legal filing, reflecting ongoing regulatory scrutiny of app store practices.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Telegraph & Argus
20 million UK consumers could share in £1bn Google claim over 'hidden charges'
Around 20 million UK consumers and businesses could be entitled to a share in a £1 billion claim against Google - see if you are one of them.
Evening Standard
Google to fight ‘hidden’ app charges claim seeking £1bn damages
The class action is being brought on behalf of around 20 million UK consumers and businesses.
Liz Coll claims to Google £1.2 billion, or almost €1.4 billion, on behalf of some 20 million British Android users. In front of a London court, this consumer rights specialist accuses the group of having inflated the price of apps for more than ten years, with its commissions on the Play Store.
Google is being sued for 1.2 billion pounds, equivalent to 16 billion kronor, in a major class action lawsuit in the UK, the Financial Times reports. The company is accused of overcharging for app downloads on Android phones for more than a decade.
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