CT Google Play Users Notified Of Refund Process From $700M Settlement

CONNECTICUT — Connecticut Attorney General William Tong on Friday issued a consumer alert detailing how Google Play Store users may receive restitution from a proposed $700 million settlement resolving antitrust claims against Google.

The multistate settlement, announced in 2023 by Tong and 53 attorneys general, accused Google of maintaining an unlawful monopoly over Android app distribution and in-app payment systems. The states said Google used that control to suppress competition and charge consumers fees of up to 30 percent on app purchases and in-app transactions between August 2016 and September 2023.

Most of the settlement funds — $630 million of which Google has already deposited — are expected to be distributed directly to affected consumers once the court grants final approval.

“Google abused its monopoly power to lock out competition and raise costs,” Tong said in a statement. “Our $700 million settlement will send money back to consumers who were harmed by Google’s unfair and anticompetitive practices. Most payments will be automatic, but I encourage Google Play Store users to review the claims process and deadlines to understand what to expect following court approval.”

Beginning Dec. 2, 2025, consumers who made eligible Google Play purchases began receiving notices about how their payments will be issued. In most cases, no claim form will be required.

Once the settlement is approved, consumers will receive payment notifications through PayPal or Venmo using the email address or phone number associated with their Google Play account. If that contact information matches an existing PayPal or Venmo account, funds will be deposited directly. If it does not, users may create a new account or redirect the payment to another existing account.

A supplemental claims process will be available for consumers who do not use PayPal or Venmo, no longer have access to the contact information linked to their Google Play account, or believe they were eligible but did not receive payment. Users may sign up for email updates on the settlement website.

Tong outlined several key dates:

• Feb. 19, 2026 — Deadline for consumers who wish to exclude themselves from the settlement and pursue their own case.
• Feb. 19, 2026 — Deadline to submit written objections.
• April 30, 2026 — Court hearing scheduled to consider final settlement approval.

The settlement was negotiated by attorneys general from 53 states and territories, including Connecticut, California, New York, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia.