New York (WRGB) — New York Attorney General Letitia James is alerting New Yorkers to new details on how they can receive restitution from a $700 million national settlement with Google, resolving claims of anticompetitive practices on the Google Play Store.

The settlement, secured in December 2023 by Attorney General James and a coalition of 53 attorneys general, says Google maintained an unlawful monopoly over app distribution and in-app payment processing on Android devices, leading consumers to pay up to 30% in fees for apps and purchases made through the Google Play Store.

Most of the settlement funding will go directly to consumers who made purchases in the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 and were harmed by Google’s conduct. Google will also be required to make business changes to end the practices identified in the lawsuit.

Google has already deposited $630 million into the settlement fund. Beginning December 2, 2025, impacted consumers began receiving claims notices and, in most cases, will automatically receive payment once the settlement receives final court approval.

In the release, it says payments will be issued through PayPal or Venmo, based on the email address or phone number tied to a consumer’s Google Play account. If no linked account exists, consumers may:

Create a new PayPal or Venmo account using that email/phoneOr update payment information when prompted

A supplemental claims process will be available later for consumers who:

Do not want to use PayPal or VenmoNo longer have access to the contact info tied to their Google Play accountExpected a payment but did not receive one

Users can sign up on the settlement website to be notified when that supplemental claims process opens.

Consumers should be aware of the following:

February 19, 2026 – Deadline to opt out of the settlement or file an objectionApril 30, 2026 – Court hearing to consider final approval

Attorney General James encouraged eligible New Yorkers to make sure they receive their proper restitution.

Attorney General James said,

When big corporations use their monopoly power to stifle competition and raise costs, consumers pay the price. For years, Google took advantage of its control over its app store to overcharge its customers and box out competing developers. I urge all New Yorkers who may be eligible for restitution to follow the settlement instructions to ensure they get their money back.