UK tribunal opens Google Play Store consumer case

The Competition Appeal Tribunal began hearing a consumer case against Google in London on October 6, with Liz Coll seeking more than £1 billion on behalf of about 20 million UK consumers over alleged Play Store fees. The claim covers qualifying purchases made from October 2015 through July 2026. No ruling on liability or compensation has been reported. Coll’s lawyers allege that Google charged commissions of up to 30% on app purchases, in-app transactions and subscriptions, and that developers passed those costs on to consumers through higher prices. They point to YouTube Premium pricing as an example: when Google sold the service through Apple’s App Store, it passed on the commission it was charged, they argue. The consumer claim contends the same kind of cost transfer occurred with Play Store fees. Google disputes the allegations and has asked the tribunal to reject the case. The company says Android users and developers have alternative ways to access and distribute apps, and that Play Store fees are among the lowest in the market. Its lawyers argue that competition from Apple’s App Store, other platforms and websites constrains Google’s position.