Utah-led lawsuit will likely lead to $700 million payout from Google to states and consumers – KSLTV.com
CONSUMER
Nov 7, 2025, 2:22 PM
FILE – A Google sign is displayed at the company’s office in San Francisco, April 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
BY
Jacob Freeman | Digital Writer & Producer for KSL TV
SALT LAKE CITY — Google is likely about to pay out $700 million to consumers and state governments, and it’s all thanks to a Utah-led lawsuit.
The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection said Friday that courts indicated they will approve a $700 million agreement between Google and a group of 52 attorneys general over “anticompetitive conduct” in the Google Play Store, the tech giant’s app store for Android devices.
“The lawsuit, Utah et al. v. Google, claimed that Google used its power to enter into exclusive agreements that prevented companies from gaining access to key distribution channels,” the agency said. “This resulted in higher prices and fewer choices for both developers and consumers.”
The states’ lawsuit, filed in 2021, alleged that Google “unlawfully monopolized the market for Android app distribution” by signing contracts that prevented other companies’ app stores from coming preloaded on Android devices.
The agency said the state of Utah stands to receive $10 million in the settlement. $630 million of the total would be paid directly to consumers through PayPal, Venmo or check.
“Today marks an important milestone in restoring trust in the app store marketplace. This settlement addresses the harm caused to consumers by Google’s deceptive practices and paves the way for a more transparent and fairer environment for all users,” said Margaret Busse, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce.
The Department of Commerce said a settlement was initially reached in principle back in September 2023, which had been pending since.
In addition to the monetary settlement, Google would be required to change some business practices, including not being allowed to enter into contracts that require the Play Store to be exclusively preloaded onto phones.
It would also have to “submit compliance reports to an independent compliance professional who will ensure that Google is not continuing its anticompetitive conduct for at least five years,” the agency said.
Sarah Martin
Tensions ran high in Layton Thursday night as the Davis County Commission held an open house to help members of the public understand their proposed 30% property tax increase.
3 days ago
Jacob Freeman
Google is about to pay out $700 million to consumers and state governments, and it’s all thanks to a Utah-led lawsuit.
3 days ago
David A. Lieb, Michael Casey and Scott Bauer, Associated Press
President Donald Trump’s administration asked a federal appeals court Friday to block a judge’s order that it distribute November’s full monthly SNAP benefits amid a U.S. government shutdown.
3 days ago
Simone Seikaly, Brian Carlson and Mary Culbertson KSL TV
Utah’s Senate Democrats are making a big push for Utah to help hungry families worried about the future of SNAP benefits. They said the timing is imperative.
5 days ago
Carter Williams, KSL.com
Utah’s capital city wants to spend millions of additional dollars toward its growing affordable housing stock.
5 days ago
Josh Funk, AP Transportation Writer
FAA employees already missed one paycheck on Oct. 28 due to the shutdown. Their next payday is scheduled for next Tuesday.
6 days ago
The Children’s Center Utah
Taking place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in-person at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy and online, this full-day event is for all individuals working with or advocating for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families.
Les Olson IT
Don’t let your printing costs spiral out of control. Read to learn more about what managed print service providers offer and the ROI you can expect.
Lighting Design
As the holiday season approaches, so begins the planning for holiday parties. Read our tips to host a holiday party for the books!
Feller & Wendt
Feed families, warm hearts. This year Feller & Wendt is partnering with the Utah Food Bank to help ensure that kids in our community have both a warm meal and a warm coat as winter begins.
Murray Theater
Built in 1938 on State Street, the Murray Theater quickly became a local landmark and was among the first to showcase color films like The Wizard of Oz. Now after nearly a decade of renovations, the theater will reopen this fall.
Les Olson IT
Leading up to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we wanted to take the opportunity to share the top threats facing businesses in 2025.
source
This article was autogenerated from a news feed from CDO TIMES selected high quality news and research sources. There was no editorial review conducted beyond that by CDO TIMES staff. Need help with any of the topics in our articles? Schedule your free CDO TIMES Tech Navigator call today to stay ahead of the curve and gain insider advantages to propel your business!
Nov 7, 2025, 2:22 PM
FILE – A Google sign is displayed at the company’s office in San Francisco, April 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
BY
Jacob Freeman | Digital Writer & Producer for KSL TV
SALT LAKE CITY — Google is likely about to pay out $700 million to consumers and state governments, and it’s all thanks to a Utah-led lawsuit.
The Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection said Friday that courts indicated they will approve a $700 million agreement between Google and a group of 52 attorneys general over “anticompetitive conduct” in the Google Play Store, the tech giant’s app store for Android devices.
“The lawsuit, Utah et al. v. Google, claimed that Google used its power to enter into exclusive agreements that prevented companies from gaining access to key distribution channels,” the agency said. “This resulted in higher prices and fewer choices for both developers and consumers.”
The states’ lawsuit, filed in 2021, alleged that Google “unlawfully monopolized the market for Android app distribution” by signing contracts that prevented other companies’ app stores from coming preloaded on Android devices.
The agency said the state of Utah stands to receive $10 million in the settlement. $630 million of the total would be paid directly to consumers through PayPal, Venmo or check.
“Today marks an important milestone in restoring trust in the app store marketplace. This settlement addresses the harm caused to consumers by Google’s deceptive practices and paves the way for a more transparent and fairer environment for all users,” said Margaret Busse, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce.
The Department of Commerce said a settlement was initially reached in principle back in September 2023, which had been pending since.
In addition to the monetary settlement, Google would be required to change some business practices, including not being allowed to enter into contracts that require the Play Store to be exclusively preloaded onto phones.
It would also have to “submit compliance reports to an independent compliance professional who will ensure that Google is not continuing its anticompetitive conduct for at least five years,” the agency said.
Sarah Martin
Tensions ran high in Layton Thursday night as the Davis County Commission held an open house to help members of the public understand their proposed 30% property tax increase.
3 days ago
Jacob Freeman
Google is about to pay out $700 million to consumers and state governments, and it’s all thanks to a Utah-led lawsuit.
3 days ago
David A. Lieb, Michael Casey and Scott Bauer, Associated Press
President Donald Trump’s administration asked a federal appeals court Friday to block a judge’s order that it distribute November’s full monthly SNAP benefits amid a U.S. government shutdown.
3 days ago
Simone Seikaly, Brian Carlson and Mary Culbertson KSL TV
Utah’s Senate Democrats are making a big push for Utah to help hungry families worried about the future of SNAP benefits. They said the timing is imperative.
5 days ago
Carter Williams, KSL.com
Utah’s capital city wants to spend millions of additional dollars toward its growing affordable housing stock.
5 days ago
Josh Funk, AP Transportation Writer
FAA employees already missed one paycheck on Oct. 28 due to the shutdown. Their next payday is scheduled for next Tuesday.
6 days ago
The Children’s Center Utah
Taking place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in-person at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy and online, this full-day event is for all individuals working with or advocating for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families.
Les Olson IT
Don’t let your printing costs spiral out of control. Read to learn more about what managed print service providers offer and the ROI you can expect.
Lighting Design
As the holiday season approaches, so begins the planning for holiday parties. Read our tips to host a holiday party for the books!
Feller & Wendt
Feed families, warm hearts. This year Feller & Wendt is partnering with the Utah Food Bank to help ensure that kids in our community have both a warm meal and a warm coat as winter begins.
Murray Theater
Built in 1938 on State Street, the Murray Theater quickly became a local landmark and was among the first to showcase color films like The Wizard of Oz. Now after nearly a decade of renovations, the theater will reopen this fall.
Les Olson IT
Leading up to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we wanted to take the opportunity to share the top threats facing businesses in 2025.
source
This article was autogenerated from a news feed from CDO TIMES selected high quality news and research sources. There was no editorial review conducted beyond that by CDO TIMES staff. Need help with any of the topics in our articles? Schedule your free CDO TIMES Tech Navigator call today to stay ahead of the curve and gain insider advantages to propel your business!
