Google has reached a preliminary $135 million settlement in a class action lawsuit accusing it of illegally collecting data from Android users. The case claims the company harvested cellular data without consent since late 2017. Affected users could receive up to $100 each if the deal is approved.
Google faces ongoing scrutiny over its data practices, with the latest development involving a class action lawsuit filed by Android users. The suit, lodged in a San Jose federal court, alleges that since November 12, 2017, Google has been gathering cellular data from phones bought through carriers. This collection reportedly continued even when apps were closed or location services were turned off, with the data used for marketing and product development.
Plaintiffs argued that such actions amounted to "conversion" under US law, defined as taking another's property with intent to deprive them of it or exerting rights over it. The settlement, filed earlier this week and awaiting judicial approval, would mark one of the largest payouts in similar cases, according to Glen Summers, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.
Under the terms, eligible users stand to claim up to $100 each. Google, which denies any wrongdoing, has committed to changes including seeking explicit consent during new phone setups. It will introduce a toggle for users to disable data transfer easily and update its terms of service accordingly. A trial remains scheduled for August 5 should the settlement not proceed.
This agreement follows closely on another: on January 26, Google settled a $68 million claim related to Google Assistant allegedly spying on users by mishearing wake words. In that case too, the company rejected the allegations.
The settlements highlight persistent privacy concerns surrounding tech giants and their handling of user data, though Google maintains its practices comply with legal standards.
