Google will pay $700 million to users and make changes to Google Play

Google will make changes to the operation of its Play Store app store in the United States and pay users $700 million as part of a class action settlement.

Earlier, prosecutors from 50 US states, as well as the District of Columbia and the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, filed a class action lawsuit against the company.

They accused Google of inflating prices for consumers through illegal restrictions on the distribution of Android applications, as well as through unnecessary transaction fees in applications.

The company did not admit any violations.

According to the agreement, the company will send $629 million to users who have overpaid for Google Play apps or services. Each of them will receive at least $2 and additional payments depending on their spending in the store between August 16, 2016 and September 30, 2023.

The company will transfer $70 million to the states, which will use the funds at their own discretion.

Another $1 million will go to administrative expenses of the settlement.

In addition, Google was obliged to expand the capabilities of developers to provide consumers with an alternative billing option for purchases.

The company will also make it easier for users to download apps directly from developers.

Background. As reported, Epic Games has won a court case against Google's parent company in the app store monopoly case.