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Google Must Face UK Class Action Over Search Advertising Claims, Tribunal Rules

By  |  August 5, 2026
Google Must Face UK Class Action Over Search Advertising Claims, Tribunal Rules

Alphabet Inc.’s Google will face a UK class action accusing the company of abusing its market position to overcharge businesses for online advertising after a British competition tribunal allowed the case to move forward, according to Bloomberg.

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    The UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal rejected Google’s attempt to prevent the lawsuit from proceeding, ruling that the proposed collective action satisfies the legal requirements for certification.

    The lawsuit alleges that Google exploited its dominant position in areas including mobile operating systems, app distribution and search advertising, resulting in inflated costs for businesses purchasing online advertising, Bloomberg reported.

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    Under the tribunal’s decision, eligible UK businesses will automatically be included in the collective action unless they choose to opt out, according to Bloomberg.

    Read more: Google Faces New Wave of Private Antitrust Claims After EU Digital Markets Act Fine

    Bloomberg reported that the claim is being brought on behalf of businesses by competition law academic Or Brook, who is serving as the class representative. Lawyers for Brook estimate that approximately 880,000 UK businesses fall within the proposed class.

    The lawsuit seeks up to £5 billion (about $6.7 billion) in damages, according to Bloomberg.

    The tribunal’s ruling allows the litigation to proceed to a trial on the merits but does not determine that Google violated competition law or engaged in unlawful conduct, Bloomberg reported.

    Source: Bloomberg