Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced that a court has given preliminary approval to a $700 million settlement against Google over unfair business practices in its app store. The settlement is expected to benefit Oklahomans who made purchases through the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023, pending final court approval scheduled for April.
“Tech giants like Google need to understand they can’t take advantage of Oklahoma consumers and get away with it,” said Drummond. “I’m proud that we’re on the verge of delivering real results for our state. This settlement returns money to Oklahomans who were wronged and ensures Google follows the rules moving forward.”
The preliminary approval was granted last month, initiating the process for distributing most of the $700 million directly to affected consumers if final approval is given at an April 30 hearing. In addition to financial compensation, Google will be required to alter its business practices as part of the agreement.
Notices about the settlement began reaching eligible Oklahomans last week. Most recipients will not need to file claims or complete paperwork; payments are set to be distributed automatically via PayPal or Venmo using contact information linked to their Google Play accounts.
A supplemental claims process will be available after automatic payments are completed for those who do not have PayPal or Venmo accounts, no longer have access to their associated email address or phone number, or did not receive an expected payment. Those wishing to receive notifications about this supplemental process can submit their information on the settlement website.
Drummond collaborated with attorneys general from 52 other states and territories in securing this agreement.