By Anna Wise
Publication Date: 2026-10-04 23:01:00
A legal action seeking more than £1 billion in damages from Google on behalf of millions of consumers over alleged “hidden charges” on Play Store app sales has gone to trial in the UK.
The class action is being brought on behalf of approximately 20 million UK consumers and businesses who made purchases on the Google Play Store or via an Android phone between October 1 2015 and July 31 2026.
Proceedings began on Tuesday in the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT).
The claim alleges that Google broke competition law by imposing a commission of up to 30 per cent on app developers for purchases made through its Play Store, with this added cost being passed onto consumers through higher prices.
Included within the claim are paid-for apps, subscription payments for services such as dating, fitness, music and gaming apps, as well as upgrades to unlock ad-free features or versions.
It also covers in-game extra…
