Google has reached a settlement to pay 100 billion USD or (157 million AUD)  in cash to resolve a lawsuit alleging overcharges to advertisers. 

The case, originating in 2011, accused Google of breaking advertising contracts by manipulating discount formulas and failing to restrict ad distribution to specified areas. 

This settlement applies to advertisers who used Google’s AdWords between 2004 and 2012. 

Despite denying any wrongdoing, Google’s spokesperson emphasised that the disputed ad features were changed over a decade ago. 

Lawyers representing the plaintiffs may request up to 33% of the settlement fund in fees, plus $4.2 million for expenses. This resolution offers relief to affected advertisers, concluding over a decade of litigation. The case is noted as Cabrera et al v Google LLC.

- CyberBeat