Google faces billion-quid bruising over Play Store fees in the UK

A billion-pound legal action against Google over Play Store fees can proceed to trial.

The order [PDF] was made in May and a notice was sent to affected businesses today. An estimated £1.04 billion ($1.4 billion) in compensation is up for grabs if the trial, due to begin in October 2026, finds against the ad slinger.

The case hinges on apps sold by UK developers on Google's Play Store for Android customers. Google charges up to 30 percent in fees for the sale of digital content, although developers with revenue streams of $1 million or less are subject to a fee of 15 percent. The claim accuses Google of "abusing its dominant position to the detriment of thousands of UK businesses" that sold apps on the Play Store.

"Google has then used its dominant position to require developers to pay excessive and unfair commissions … on all their ...