Google has reached an antitrust settlement, agreeing to pay $700 million and introduce increased competition in its Play app store following complaints filed by the Justice Department and numerous states in 2020.
Allegations centered on Google’s purported dominance in online search, suggesting unfair practices via deals with wireless carriers and Smartphone manufacturers that favored Google Search as the default option.
According to the settlement terms disclosed in a federal court filing in San Francisco: “Google will pay $630 million into a settlement fund to be distributed for the benefit of consumers according to a Court-approved plan.”
Additionally, $70 million will be allocated to the states for utilization.
Google highlighted that the settlement upholds Android’s adaptability, security, and the company’s capacity to compete while investing in the Android ecosystem.
They emphasized the evolving nature of Android and Google Play, ensuring flexibility and fostering competition among app stores in the open Android environment.
Despite this settlement, Google expressed disappointment with a recent trial verdict, emphasizing their platforms’ facilitation of choice and competition.
The company faces multiple antitrust challenges, including a federal jury ruling its app marketplace as an illegal monopoly and an ongoing Justice Department case over alleged stifling of competition in its search engine.
Source-CNN
