Dozens of states are poised to sue Alphabet Inc.’s Google, alleging that the company illegally abused its power over developers that distribute apps through the Google Play store on mobile devices, according to people familiar with the situation. The Justice Department and a group of states filed separate complaints over Google’s search business last year, while another state coalition sued over Google’s digital advertising business. The companies have come under intense pressure from regulators and some developers who complain that high app store fees and complex rules raise costs for consumers. The company announced in March that it was halving the percentage it takes from app developers on sales through the Play store after a similar move by Apple. Google said it was reducing the fees to 15% from 30% for the first $1 million in revenue on sales of apps and in-app-purchases each year.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 07, 2021 21:00 UTC