Today, the Amsterdam District Court declared Stichting App Stores Claims (ASC) admissible in its collective action lawsuit against Google, dismissing all objections raised by the tech giant. The ruling also designates ASC as the exclusive representative for millions of Dutch users of Google Play, enabling them to pursue legal action collectively.
ASC alleges that Google has long misused its dominant market position, compelling developers to distribute their applications exclusively through Google Play (previously known as the Google Play Store) and mandating the use of Google’s payment system. As a result, users have faced steep commission fees reaching as high as 30% on app purchases and in-app services. The organization aims to secure compensation for the affected users and push for lasting changes in Google’s practices to ensure compliance with competition laws.
This decision is a significant step forward in the ongoing collective proceedings against Google and represents a crucial opportunity for Google Play users to seek redress.
In this matter, ASC is being represented by Hausfeld, a law firm known for its expertise in class actions and competition law, under the provisions of the Act on the Resolution of Mass Damages in Collective Action (WAMCA). Hausfeld is also engaged in similar cases for app users in the United Kingdom.
