Google Allows More App Payment Options in Antitrust Deal With States
New York TimesDec 19, 2023
The Facts
Google on Monday agreed to pay a $700M antitrust settlement and make other concessions to promote competition on its Google Play app store. The tech giant reached the agreement with US states and consumers, with terms disclosed in San Francisco federal court.
The settlement resolves allegations Google stifled competition through its app store's terms and fees, and roughly 102M US consumers will be eligible to receive part of the $630M compensation. The other $70M will be paid to dozens of states that participated in the lawsuit, which originally sought $10.5B.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The government is holding Google accountable. Not only does it have to pay a hefty fine, but it also must amend its policies and promote competition in its app stores. Regulators have been piling up victories against Google, and there’s more litigation against the company to come. States and regulators will be holding Google’s feet to the fire for a while.
Establishment-critical narrative
This may seem like a large settlement, but it’s just a slap on the wrist for a big tech monopoly. Google is getting off lightly financially and it can continue its anti-competitive practices. While states may spin this as a win for consumers, it’s just another example of big businesses getting let off the hook.