Google is the global internet search engine giant that uses algorithms to generate relevant sources of information and data for its users. The search engine giant states that its mission and vision are to organise global information, in addition to making it accessible across the whole world.

Holding the top global search engine position, Google faces criticism and concern from time to time regarding the power it possesses to influence the online information flow.

 

 

Google holds a global dominant position, so much so that the term Google is also used as a verb; for example, whenever someone searches something on Google, it is also said that they Googled it.

Google will now pay $700 million as well as make adjustments in its attempt to settle charges that the tech giant had engaged in stifled competition in its Android application store; this same issue recently faced trial in another case, which might result in massive changes coming from Google.

 

Google’s Bad Deeds Have Come To The Foreground

 

Although the tech giant struck a deal with the attorneys general of the state in the US in the month of September this year, the terms of the settlement were not made public until December 18 in documents in the federal court of San Francisco.

The announcement came after a week when the federal court jury reprimanded Google for making use of anti-competitive strategies in its Android Play Store for Android applications.

Settling with the states incorporates $630 million to recompense the US consumers that will be put into the payment processing system. The state attorney general alleged that Google escalated the digital transaction prices within the applications downloaded from the Android Play Store.

 

 

The Android Play Store serves the Android software, powering the majority of smartphones across the world. Similar to what Apple conducts in its iPhone application store, Google collects commissions on in-app purchases that range from 15% to 30%.

Those commissions generate billions in profit each year for Google, as per the evidence that was provided in the trial that investigated Google’s Play Store. Consumers who are eligible for compensation from the $630 million fund will be notified about the different options on how they can withdraw their money-cut.

 

More About The News

Another $70 million of the settlement is supposed to cover the penalties as well as other costs that the tech giant will have to pay to the states. Google agreed to make changes that will be designed to make it easier for all to download as well as install Android applications from other platforms apart from Google’s Play Store for the upcoming 5 years.

 

 

Google will abstain from issuing security warnings (scare screens) when substitute choices are being made. Android application developers can now offer substitute payment choices instead of processing automatic transactions through the Play Store as well as its commission system.

Applications can now promote lower prices to consumers who select an alternative to the payment processing of the Play Store. This is a major win not only for US customers of Google but also for users of Google’s Android Play Store across the world.