Wisconsinites Can Now Access $700 Million Google Settlement Funds

MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Department of Justice is providing instructions for residents to access funds from a $700 million settlement with Google.

Attorney General Josh Kaul and a coalition of 52 other attorneys general secured this settlement in December 2023.

Most of the settlement funds are designated for consumers who made purchases on the Google Play Store from August 2016 to September 2023.

These consumers were impacted by Google's anticompetitive conduct, authorities said. Google will also implement changes to its practices as part of the settlement.

The lawsuit claimed that Google unlawfully maintained a monopoly over mobile app distribution and in-app payment processing for Android devices.

The monopoly power allowed Google to charge commissions of up to 30 percent for app and in-app purchases, according to the complaint.

The complaint stated that Google's conduct deprived consumers of the benefits of competition, such as better features, improved data security, and lower prices.

Beginning Dec. 2, residents started receiving notices about the distribution process for the settlement funds. Most consumers do not need to take further action. The settlement fund will make most payments automatically, and a claim form is not necessary in most cases.

Payments will be sent via email from PayPal or text from Venmo once the settlement receives final court approval.

If an email address or phone number is associated with an existing PayPal or Venmo account, payment will go directly to that account. Consumers without linked accounts can create one or direct payment to another account.

A supplemental claims process will be available for consumers who do not use PayPal or Venmo, no longer access their Google Play account email or phone number, or did not receive an expected payment.