Awareness only · official claim below
What this claim is about
Google runs the search engine most of the UK uses. The claim, brought by consumer campaigner Nikki Stopford on behalf of UK shoppers, argues that Google shut out competition — paying to be the default search engine on phones (including on Apple devices) and requiring Android manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome — and then charged businesses excessive prices for search advertising. Those higher advertising costs, it says, were passed on to consumers in the prices they paid for goods and services.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal certified the claim in November 2024, and threw out Google’s challenge to it — so it is heading to a full trial. Nothing has been decided on the facts, and Google denies wrongdoing.
This is an opt-out claim covering tens of millions of UK consumers, seeking around £7 billion. Because the harm is indirect — you didn’t pay Google directly — the class is broad: most people who bought from UK businesses in the period are included automatically, and the deadline to opt out has passed. There is nothing to sign and nothing to pay. You don’t need a claims company, and LegalClaimPro doesn’t collect your details here. Nothing here is legal or financial advice.
How this kind of claim works
Group claims take different forms. Here’s the shape of this one, in plain terms.
- Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT)
- A specialist court that hears large consumer claims about companies breaking competition law.
- Search advertising
- The ads businesses pay for to appear at the top of Google’s results. If those cost more than they should, the extra can end up in the prices customers pay.
- An indirect overcharge
- You didn’t pay Google directly — the claim is that Google’s ad prices were passed on to you through the things you bought.
- Opt-out claim
- If you’re eligible you’re included automatically — you pay nothing. The deadline to opt out has passed, so if you qualify you’re already in.
What the claim argues
Search, locked down
The claim says Google paid phone makers to keep its search as the default, and pushed its own apps onto Android, to shut out rivals.
Overpriced ads
With little competition, it argues, Google charged businesses too much for search advertising.
Passed on to you
It says those higher ad costs were built into the prices shoppers paid for everyday goods and services.
These are allegations; Hausfeld, for class representative Nikki Stopford runs the claim, and the court has not ruled.
Who’s covered?
- You were living in the UK on 22 November 2024, and were aged 16 or over
- You bought goods or services from UK businesses that advertised through Google search at some point between 1 January 2011 and 7 September 2023 — which covers most people who shopped online or on the high street
- It’s an opt-out claim, so eligible people are included automatically — the deadline to opt out passed in March 2025, so if you qualify you’re already in, at no cost
How it’s unfolded
- 2011–2023 The period the claim covers.
- September 2023 Nikki Stopford files the claim at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
- November 2024 The Tribunal certifies the claim and rejects Google’s challenge; the opt-out deadline is set for March 2025.
- Next The claim heads toward a full trial.
Common questions
Do I need to sign up?
No. It’s an opt-out claim, so eligible UK consumers are included automatically, and the opt-out deadline passed in March 2025. You can follow the official site for updates.
Am I really covered — I never paid Google?
You don’t need to have paid Google directly. The claim is that Google’s advertising costs were passed on to you in the prices of everyday goods and services, so most UK shoppers in the period are included.
Will I definitely get money?
No — nothing is decided. The claim is heading to trial and Google denies the allegations. Any compensation would be decided later; be wary of anyone promising a fixed sum.
Does it cost anything?
No. The claim is funded, so there’s nothing to pay and no fee taken from you. Any compensation would come from Google.
Who’s running it?
The claim is brought by Nikki Stopford with the law firm Hausfeld. LegalClaimPro isn’t involved in running it — we’re raising awareness and we don’t collect your details here.
Join the official claim
This claim is run by Hausfeld, for class representative Nikki Stopford. LegalClaimPro is featuring it to raise awareness — we don’t run the claim and we don’t collect your details here. To take part, register on the official claim site, where you’ll see who’s behind it and their terms before you join.
The official site opens in a new tab. Always check who runs a claim and their terms before sharing your details.