An antitrust lawsuit against Google and its app store has settled for $700 million.

Filed in 2021, the lawsuit challenged Google's control over Android app distribution and in-app payments. 

The majority of the settlement funds will go directly to those who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023, officials said, and most recipients won't need to fill out a claim form and will receive their payments through PayPal or Venmo. If consumers don't have access to PayPal or Venmo, they can file a claim through a separate process to receive their payment. 

“For years, Google used its market dominance to establish a monopoly and take advantage of their customers,” said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings in a statement. “With this settlement, consumers will finally get the compensation that they’re entitled to.”

Jennings joined 52 Attorneys General in filing the complaint.

The settlement forces Google to update its business practices, officials said, allowing over the next five years at minimum that app developers may use alternate payment systems. Customers will also be informed about lower prices outside Google's billing system, and list their apps on competing stores without fear of retaliation. Android users can download apps from outside the Play Store for at least the next seven years, officials said. Additional information about the lawsuit and settlement is available on the settlement website.