Here’s How to Get Your Piece of the $700 Million Google Settlement

(KMDL-FM) How does that old song from the 80s go? Something about money for nothing and female companionship at a minimal cost. That's probably not the exact lyric, but the sentiment about money for nothing could certainly apply if you are in line to get a share of the $700 million Google Settlement.

Why is Google Being Forced to Pay $700 Million?

The settlement with Google stems from allegations that the company profited via anticompetitive practices implemented through the Google Play Store. That's the App Store for Google, and if you made a purchase via the Google Play Store between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023, you qualify for compensation.

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The case against Google suggests the company, through its practices in the Google Play Store, quietly controlled and manipulated the choices and prices that consumers made on technology they rely on every day.

Google disputed those allegations, suggesting that its platform provided more than adequate flexibility and choice for consumers. Of course, those arguments were made back in 2023 following the allegations of anticompetitive practices.

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How Do You Claim Settlement Money from the $700m Google Settlement?

The good news about the Google settlement is this. If you are affected, there is a very strong possibility that you will not have to do anything to get your settlement money. The minimum amount that you would receive would be $2. However, if you were very active in the Google Play store and made several transactions, you could be compensated quite a bit more.

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Most of the settlement stipends are being shipped to consumers via their PayPal or Venmo accounts. Those accounts will be determined by the email address or phone number on file for those accounts.

Once the automatic payments have been released, then consumers who do not have an existing PayPal or Venmo account or no longer have access to the email or mobile phone the account was linked to will have a chance to submit a claim against the settlement.

When Will Payments from the Google Settlement Be Sent Out?

Now, let us caution you, this still has one more courtroom hurdle to clear. Another hearing in the case is set for April 30, 2026. If the courts approve the settlement during that hearing, then the payouts will begin. I would not recommend holding your breath.