HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania's Attorney General, Michelle Henry, announced on Monday the successful resolution of a lawsuit against Google, resulting in a $20 million settlement for Pennsylvania residents. The lawsuit, joined by AG Henry and 52 other attorneys general, targeted the anti-competitive practices of the Google Play Store.

The settlement ensures that Pennsylvanians will receive an estimated $20.58 million to compensate for the alleged monopolistic behavior of Google. The lawsuit accused the tech giant of unlawfully monopolizing the market for apps, app downloads, app distribution, and payment on Android devices through its Play Store platform.

According to the complaint, Google's actions hindered the ability of other apps to be loaded onto Android phones, creating obstacles for users to download apps from alternative sources. Attorney General Henry stated, "Google used unlawful practices to quash competitors and prime positioned its app store and payment processing for consumers, many of whom were not even aware of other options." She emphasized that this settlement holds the company accountable for practices that inflated prices and stifled competition, ultimately impacting consumers.

The settlement agreement also includes a set of reforms for Google's business practices in relation to the Play Store. These changes will allow developers to offer more affordable prices for their apps and in-app products. Additionally, Google is prohibited from entering into exclusive provider contracts with app developers. To ensure compliance with these reforms, the company will be required to submit regular reports to an independent monitor, who will ensure that Google does not continue engaging in anti-competitive practices.

This landmark settlement marks a victory for Pennsylvania consumers and sends a strong message that anti-competitive behavior will not be tolerated. The Attorney General's Office encourages residents to visit their official website for further details on the settlement and its implications for consumers.

Pennsylvania's successful legal action against Google serves as a reminder that even the largest tech companies are not above the law, and that the interests of consumers must always be protected.