Google offers small app developers $90 million to settle antitrust allegations

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

A class-action lawsuit alleges that the policies of the Play store violate federal antitrust laws.

For many years, the default charge on all transactions was 30 percent, according to the suit. The fee was reduced to 15 percent for the first $1 million earned through any app after the suit was filed.

Some 48,000 small app developers in the US will be able to claim a payment from the $90 million fund. The minimum payment for some claims is $250.

According to Hages Berman managing partner Steve Berman, nearly 48,000 app developers are receiving the just payment they deserve for their work 888-609- 888-609- 888-609- 888-609- 888-609- Developers will have more room to grow and more money in their pockets as a result of this settlement.

A number of small concessions are being offered by the company. In order to showcase independent and small startup developers building unique high-quality apps in its Play store app, and clarify language in its Developer Distribution Agreement that makes it clear that developers can contact users to tell them about out-of-app subscription offers, it is creating a new Independent Apps

A similar $100 million fund was offered by Apple to developers over issues with its App Store. Similar concessions were included in the suit that was bought by Hagens Berman.

Although both settlements are a win for small developers, they do not change the policies which have led to accusations of anti-competitive behavior. Legislation in the US and EU could force bigger changes on companies.

The Open App Markets Act would force Apple and Google to allow users to sideload applications or install them without app stores. According to the company, it already allows this. If the European Parliament gives final approval to the Digital Markets Act, it will make side loading mandatory.