Google has announced it will pay out a substantial $700 million as part of a settlement agreement reached in September over its Play Store operations. This sum includes $630 million for American consumers and $70 million for state-administered funds.
>>> Google's Announcement: Reaffirming choice and openness on Android and Google PlayThe preliminary settlement was reached in a class-action lawsuit initially filed in 2021 by US states and consumers, which accused Google of monopolizing the distribution of Android apps through its Play Store.
User Choice Billing Program Expansion
In November 2022, Google piloted the User Choice Billing program in the US, allowing developers to offer alternative payment methods for in-app purchases.
Google has now committed to expanding this program nationwide as part of the settlement, enabling developers to display different purchase costs based on the payment method chosen by the customer.
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Simplifying Sideloading and Messaging Changes
Google also plans to streamline the sideloading process. Currently, users attempting to sideload apps encounter a warning pop-up followed by a settings screen where they can install apps from "unknown sources."
As per the settlement, Google will have to merge these two screens and maintain the simplified sideloading process for at least five years without alterations.
Google's Stance on Security and Sideloading
While Google maintains that informing users about the unique risks of sideloading on mobile devices is crucial to its security efforts, the settlement requires the company to simplify the sideloading process and update the language used to inform users of potential download risks.
Wilson White, Google's VP of Government Affairs and Public Policy, emphasized the importance of user safety while acknowledging the settlement's terms.
Android 14 and Third-Party App Stores
Google's blog post points out that Android 14 will further ease the app upgrade process and provide more control over third-party app stores through API improvements.
The Epic Games Antitrust Battle
The settlement follows Google's antitrust battle loss to Epic Games, with plans to appeal the ruling. Google reiterated in a blog post that it does not concede the choice and competition its platform offers, stating that the case is "far from over."
>>> Federal Jury Finds Google's App Store in Violation of Antitrust Laws
The trial exposed deals between Google and companies like Spotify, which do not pay any commission for in-app purchases on the Play Store.
>>> Google's Monopoly Verdict: A New Dawn for App Developers?
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