Google Goes on Trial in London Over Play Store Commissions

A £1 billion class action accusing Google of charging excessive Play Store commissions is at trial before the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal, which AFP reported opening on Tuesday, October 6. The claim, Coll v Alphabet Inc. and others, is brought by consumer advocate Liz Coll with law firm Hausfeld on behalf of UK Play Store users. AFP reported the class at about 20 million people.

The claim alleges Google abused a dominant position by taking a cut of up to 30% on purchases made through the Play Store. It covers purchases from October 1, 2015 to July 31, 2026, and class members are included automatically unless they opt out. The tribunal certified the case in September 2022 and is managing it alongside Epic Games' claim and a separate claim brought by Professor Barry Rodger. The tribunal listed the trial from September 28 for no more than 10 weeks, with the first week set aside for reading.

"For more than a decade, Google has taken a cut of up to 30 percent on almost everything we buy through the Play Store. We say that charge was unfair and excessive," Coll said. Google said: "Android gives people more choice than any other mobile platform in deciding which apps and app stores they use. This lawsuit ignores that choice."

Why it matters: App store fees are one of the largest costs in a subscription dating business. This case seeks damages for consumers, not developers, but a finding that Google's commission was excessive would add pressure for lower rates in the UK and strengthen the related claims being heard alongside it. Operators that sell subscriptions through Google Play should watch the outcome closely.

Sources: Competition Appeal Tribunal case page · AFP via The Standard