SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a stern warning to corporations operating in the state, promising to hold them accountable if they engage in market manipulation. This comes on the heels of a significant multi-state lawsuit filed against Google over its app store policies on Android devices.

While Bonta did not lead the lawsuit against Google, the settlement reached with the tech giant will result in minimum $2 payments for approximately 102 million nationwide users of the Google Play Store. In addition to monetary compensation, the settlement mandates changes to Google’s practices, including allowing Android users to install apps from third-party stores outside of the Google Play Store.

In response, Google emphasized its commitment to providing greater flexibility and choice to Android users, insisting that the settlement reflects their efforts to foster competition in the app store space.

Bonta’s vocal criticism of Google aligns with his long-standing effort to use the attorney general’s office to challenge major tech companies, a move that could potentially shape his gubernatorial platform. With the upcoming gubernatorial race in mind, Bonta and other potential candidates are seeking ways to distinguish themselves from the competition.

This latest legal action against a major tech company follows Bonta’s leadership in a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit alleges that Meta knowingly hooks children and negatively impacts their mental health.

As part of the settlement with Google, the tech giant will be required to change its practices, marking a significant shift in the app store landscape. The lawsuit signifies Bonta’s continued efforts to challenge tech companies and could play a pivotal role in his political future.