UK Tribunal Rejects Google Bid to Block $6.7 Billion Advertiser Class Action

A UK Competition Appeal Tribunal rejected Google’s attempt to stop a large advertiser class action, allowing the case to proceed on an opt-out basis. The lawsuit, brought on behalf of about 880,000 British firms, alleges Google abused dominance across mobile operating systems, app distribution, search, and search advertising to overcharge advertisers and exclude competitors. The claim seeks up to 5 billion pounds, or about $6.7 billion, in damages. The ruling is negative for Google because it keeps major antitrust and pricing allegations alive and increases legal overhang around its search-ad business, particularly in the UK and potentially broader regulatory scrutiny. The tribunal said objections over funding, costs, claim-form amendments, and class definition did not block certification at this stage.