£7 Billion Legal Claim Against Google Approved to Proceed to Trial
A legal claim seeking £7 billion in damages from Google over alleged abuse of its dominance in the search engine market has been given the green light to proceed to trial by the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT).
The claim, led by consumer rights advocate Nikki Stopford, accuses Google of leveraging its market position to inflate advertising costs, with these costs ultimately being passed on to consumers. It further alleges that Google abused its dominance by compelling manufacturers of Android devices to pre-install its apps, including Google Search and Chrome, and by paying Apple to ensure Google remains the default search engine on iPhones and other Apple devices.
The CAT rejected Google’s efforts to have the claim dismissed, allowing the case to advance to trial. The collective action, brought on behalf of UK consumers aged 16 and over, is structured as an opt-out claim, meaning affected individuals are automatically included unless they choose to opt out.
Consumer Advocate Speaks Out
“This ruling is a significant step forward for UK consumers,” said Ms. Stopford. “Google’s dominance in the search market has allowed it to manipulate advertising costs, which ultimately burdens consumers. This case seeks to foster healthier competition in digital markets and hold Google accountable for its actions.”
Stopford added that the case aims to secure compensation for consumers while addressing anti-competitive practices that have long drawn regulatory scrutiny.
Google Responds
A Google spokesperson responded to the ruling, stating, “We still believe this case is speculative and opportunistic, and we will argue against it vigorously. People use Google because it is helpful, not because they lack alternatives.”
Broader Challenges for Google
The lawsuit adds to mounting pressure on Google globally. In the US, the Department of Justice recently proposed measures to curb Google’s monopoly, including divesting its Chrome browser. Earlier this year, a US judge ruled that Google operated an illegal monopoly in search advertising, intensifying calls for reform.
As the trial approaches, the case is poised to be a landmark challenge to one of the world’s most influential tech companies.