Google has agreed to pay $90 million to settle a legal fight

Google has agreed to resolve a case of class action with minor software developers accusing the tech tyrant of violating federal antitrust laws.

As Reuters reported, Google will pay $ 90 million, to be split among US app developers. The lawsuit alleges that Google Play Store policies oblige developers to use the storefront payment system, which imposes a 30 percent charge on all transactions. As a response to the case, Google announced back in 2021 that it would only charge developers 15% of the first $ income earned in the Google Play Store each year.

Google has agreed to pay $90 million to settle a legal fight

In a blog post detailing the case, Wilson White, Deputy Director of Public Affairs and Public Policy, notes that the $ 90 million that Google agrees to pay to settle the case will be funded. If the court approves the proposed payment, access to the fund will be made available to app developers who have generated $ 2 million or less in annual revenue between 2016 and 2021.

“Most U.S. engineers who earn revenue through Google Play will be eligible to receive money from this fund, if they choose,” White noted in a blog post. “If the Court approves the payment, qualified engineers will be notified and allowed to receive the distribution of the fund.”

Google has agreed to pay $90 million to settle a legal fight

A similar lawsuit was filed by Apple, which was settled in August 2021, when an iPhone maker agreed to pay $ 100 million to American app developers. That solution also saw Apple clarify its policies, allowing iOS developers to now reach customers and inform them of payment options offered outside of the App Store (as well as the Apple App Store 30 percent discount).

App Store 30 percent discount).