Google review: Google cloud

I’m filing this because Google billed me for API usage before the effective date they publicly announced, and they refuse to provide any evidence to justify the charges.

On March 18, Google sent out a notice stating that Gemini API billing enforcement would begin on April 1. That was the only date given. There was no warning that continued use before April 1 would trigger charges.

Despite that, Google billed me on March 20 — just two days after the notice and ten days before the effective date.

Under the terms Google published, this usage should have still been free. Nothing in the March 18 notice said billing would start immediately or retroactively.

When I disputed the charges, I asked Google for basic documentation:

the timestamp where I supposedly accepted paid billing

the UI flow where that acceptance occurred

IP/session logs

itemized usage that matches the billed amounts

the contractual basis for billing before April 1

Google provided none of this. Instead, they issued a generic “maximum adjustment” and closed the case, leaving the remaining charges in place. Their billing dashboard still shows no usage that corresponds to the amounts they charged.

The issue isn’t the dollar amount — it’s the lack of transparency. Google billed early, refused to provide evidence, and closed the case without addressing the core issue.

I’ve already filed complaints with the BBB and CFPB, and I’m escalating further. I’m posting here so others are aware that Google may enforce billing early and then refuse to provide documentation when challenged.