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Google hit with £5 billion UK class-action over search‑ads dominance
The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal has certified a collective proceedings order allowing a class-action lawsuit against Google to proceed on an opt‑out basis. The claim, brought by Or Brook Class Representative Limited and led by competition‑law academic Dr Or Brook, covers roughly 880,000 British businesses and organisations that used Google’s search advertising between 2011 and 2025.
The plaintiffs allege that Google abused its near‑total dominance in general search, mobile operating systems, app distribution and search‑advertising markets, forcing businesses to pay inflated prices. Specific accusations include agreements that made Google Search the default on Android devices and payments to Apple to secure default status on iPhones, limiting competition and leaving advertisers with few alternatives. The case seeks damages of up to £5 billion (about $6.7 billion).
The Tribunal rejected Google’s request that the claim operate on an opt‑in basis, stating there was “almost nothing to be said in favour of opt‑in”. The decision does not constitute a finding that Google violated competition law nor that the businesses are automatically entitled to compensation; it merely allows the case to move toward trial. Google has called the claim speculative and opportunistic and said it will contest the allegations.
Entities
British businesses · Competition Appeal Tribunal · Competition Appeal Tribunal (UK) · Dr Or Brook · Google LLC · UK businesses (collective)
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal certified a class action against Google seeking up to £5 billion in damages. channelx.world · cryptobriefing.com · www.fortunegreece.com · www.neolaia.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The alleged abuse includes agreements that made Google Search the default on Android devices and payments to Apple to secure default status on iPhones. channelx.world · cryptobriefing.com · www.fortunegreece.com · www.neolaia.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Tribunal allowed the case to proceed on an opt‑out basis, rejecting Google’s request for an opt‑in requirement. channelx.world · cryptobriefing.com · www.fortunegreece.com · www.neolaia.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] Google described the claim as speculative and opportunistic and said it would contest the allegations. channelx.world · cryptobriefing.com · www.fortunegreece.com · www.neolaia.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The claim covers approximately 880,000 UK businesses and organisations that used Google search advertising. channelx.world · cryptobriefing.com · www.fortunegreece.com · www.neolaia.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The lawsuit alleges Google abused its dominant position in search, mobile operating systems, app distribution and search advertising to overcharge businesses. channelx.world · cryptobriefing.com · www.fortunegreece.com · www.neolaia.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The case seeks damages of up to £5 billion (approximately $6.7 billion). channelx.world · cryptobriefing.com · www.fortunegreece.com · www.neolaia.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Tribunal’s decision does not determine that Google violated competition law nor that businesses are automatically entitled to compensation. channelx.world · cryptobriefing.com · www.fortunegreece.com · www.neolaia.gr