Google has been ordered to pay $314.6 million to Android phone users in California after a jury determined that the company collected and transmitted user data without consent. This ruling stems from a class-action lawsuit that was initiated in 2019, representing around 14 million Californians. The plaintiffs argued that Google harvested data from idle Android devices, which not only invaded users’ privacy but also consumed their cellular data. The lawsuit specifically accused Google of using this data for targeted advertising and other undisclosed purposes.
Attorney Glen Summers, representing the plaintiffs, asserted that the jury’s decision validates the seriousness of Google’s actions and underscores the need for accountability in data practices. In response, a Google spokesperson claimed that the ruling misinterprets essential services vital to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices. The spokesperson emphasized that users had agreed to these data practices through the company’s terms and privacy policies, asserting that the data transfers did not harm anyone. This lawsuit is not an isolated incident for Google.
Another separate lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the remaining 49 states, echoing similar allegations, and is set to go to trial in April 2026. The ongoing legal battles surrounding data privacy emphasize the growing scrutiny tech companies face regarding their data collection practices. As users continue to express concerns about privacy and data usage, the outcome of these legal proceedings may have significant implications for how tech companies manage and communicate data handling practices to consumers.
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