finsmart-news_admin 
Google is preparing to hand a massive pile of cash to users to settle allegations that the tech giant unlawfully monopolized Android app distribution and in-app billing.
The $700 million settlement stems from a lawsuit by state attorneys general, and people who qualify for the payout are now receiving notifications.
The settlement addresses claims of overcharges, limited app choices, and misleading safety warnings about non-Play Store downloads.
Google denies wrongdoing but agreed to pay up.
Eligible users include U.S. residents in the 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands who bought apps or in-app content via Google Play Billing from August 16, 2016, to September 30, 2023.
No claim form is needed for most; payments will arrive automatically via PayPal or Venmo.
About 102 million people qualify with payouts starting at a $2 minimum, scaling with individual spending.
The court granted preliminary approval last month.
Final approval hearing is set for April 30, 2026, with distributions following shortly after.
