Tech giant Google has agreed to a massive $135 million payout to resolve a class-action lawsuit over its data collection practices. The core of the Google Android settlement addresses allegations that the company illegally gathered data from Android users without their consent, even when certain tracking features were disabled.
Details of the $135 Million Google Android Settlement
The lawsuit, which dates back to 2017, claimed that Google programmed its Android operating system to collect user data through cell towers, even if users had turned off location tracking or closed specific applications. Plaintiffs argued that this practice amounted to “conversion,” essentially accusing Google of depriving users of their own property—their data.
For its part, Google has denied any wrongdoing. A company spokesperson stated that the data collection processes were industry-standard practices necessary for maintaining the security of Android devices. However, the company still chose to settle the case to avoid a lengthy court battle.
As part of the agreement, Google has committed to making significant changes to its terms of service for Android users. The company will now be required to obtain more explicit consent from users during the initial setup of a new device. Furthermore, new control toggles will be introduced, allowing users to more easily disable specific types of data collection.
Additionally, Google must provide much greater transparency about its data collection processes. This means users will have a clearer understanding of what data is being collected and how it is being used.
While details about the payout process are still being finalized, individual payments are expected to be capped at around $100 per person. It is important to note that this is a US-based lawsuit, and eligibility often requires prior registration, meaning users in other countries will likely not receive any compensation.
This settlement is part of a broader trend of scrutiny over Google’s data practices. The company also recently reached a $68 million agreement in a separate case alleging it secretly recorded users through Google Assistant. These events highlight the growing importance of data privacy in the tech world.
So, what are your thoughts on the Google settlement? Share your opinions with us in the comments!
