Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced a major victory for Oklahoma consumers is one step closer to reality. A court has granted preliminary approval for a $700 million settlement against Google for unfair business practices in its app store. Oklahomans who made purchases through the Google Play Store between August 2016 and September 2023 are expected to receive payments once the settlement receives final approval in April.

“Tech giants like Google need to understand they can’t take advantage of Oklahoma consumers and get away with it,” said Drummond. “I’m proud that we’re on the verge of delivering real results for our state. This settlement returns money to Oklahomans who were wronged and ensures Google follows the rules moving forward.”

The court granted preliminary approval last month, setting the process in motion. If the court gives final approval at a hearing scheduled for April 30, the majority of the $700 million will be distributed directly to affected consumers. Google will also be required to change its business practices to prevent this from happening again.

Last week, eligible Oklahomans began receiving notices about the settlement. Most Oklahomans won’t need to file claims or fill out paperwork. The settlement fund will distribute payments automatically through PayPal or Venmo to the email address or phone number linked to their Google Play account.

There is a supplemental claims process after the automatic payments process is complete for consumers who either:

• Do not have an existing PayPal or Venmo account and do not want to sign up for PayPal or Venmo;

• No longer have access to the email address or mobile phone number associated with their Google Play account; or

• Were expecting to receive a payment but did not.

If Oklahomans would like to be notified by email when the supplemental claims process starts, they may submit their name, email address and cell phone number on the settlement website.

Drummond worked with 52 attorneys general to secure the settlement.