Quick Takeaways
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Settlement Agreement: Google has agreed to a preliminary $135 million settlement in a class action lawsuit from Android users alleging unlawful data collection since November 12, 2017.
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Accusations of Conversion: Plaintiffs claim Google illegally harvested data from phones—regardless of app status or location settings—constituting “conversion” under US law.
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User Compensation: Affected users could receive up to $100 each, while Google will implement changes to ensure user consent during phone setup and modify its terms of service.
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Recent Legal Troubles: This marks Google’s second settlement in a week, following a $68 million agreement related to claims of unauthorized data collection via Google Assistant.
Google Settles Data Collection Lawsuit for $135 Million
Google has agreed to pay $135 million to resolve a class action lawsuit. The suit involved Android users who accused the tech giant of illegal data collection. Specifically, the lawsuit claimed that Google collected cellular data from phones purchased through carriers, even when apps were closed and location services were disabled.
The allegations date back to November 12, 2017. Affected users felt that Google misused their data for marketing and product development, constituting “conversion” under U.S. law. In this case, conversion means one party unlawfully takes another’s property with the intent to deprive them of it.
The preliminary settlement, filed in a San Jose federal court, awaits judge approval. If approved, this payout could become one of the largest for a case of this type, according to Glen Summers, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. Each eligible user could receive up to $100 from Google.
Despite the settlement, Google denies any wrongdoing. However, the company plans to improve user consent measures. Users will see a toggle allowing them to easily disable data transfer during the setup of new devices. Additionally, Google will revise its terms of service to reflect these changes.
Interestingly, this marks the second settlement Google has reached this week. The company also agreed to a $68 million payout over claims related to Google Assistant allegedly spying on users after mishearing wake words.
Such settlements highlight the increasing scrutiny tech companies face over data privacy. As cities evolve into smart hubs, user trust relies heavily on transparent data practices. Innovations in urban technology can enhance quality of life, but they must prioritize user consent and data security.
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