Google Settles Android Data Transfer Lawsuit for $135 Million
Google will pay $135 million to settle a proposed class action by smartphone users who accused the tech giant of programming its Android operating system to collect cellular data without user consent.
A preliminary settlement was filed late Tuesday night in the federal court of San Jose, California, pending judicial approval. This settlement addresses claims from users of Android-powered devices dating back to November 12, 2017.
Despite agreeing to the settlement, Google has denied any wrongdoing. Users alleged that Google collected cellular data, which they purchased from mobile carriers, even when they closed Google’s apps, disabled location-sharing, or locked their screens. This data collection was said to support Google’s product development and targeted advertising campaigns, leading to claims of “conversion.” This legal term refers to the wrongful taking of another party’s property with the intent to assert control over it.
As part of the settlement agreement, Google will implement measures to ensure that data transfers will not occur without obtaining explicit consent from Android users during the setup of their devices. Additionally, the company will simplify the process for users to stop these transfers by introducing toggle options and will disclose such transfers in its Google Play terms of service.
Glen Summers, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, stated in a court filing that the $135 million payout is believed to be the largest ever in a conversion case. Payments to class members will be capped at $100 each. A damages expert for the plaintiffs estimated that potential damages could have reached as high as $1.05 billion.
The lawsuit was initiated in November 2020, with a trial originally scheduled for August 5. Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating, “We are pleased to resolve this case, which mischaracterized standard industry practices that keep Android safe. We’re providing additional disclosures to give people more information about how our services work.”
The plaintiffs’ legal team may seek up to $39.8 million, or 29.5% of the settlement fund, to cover legal fees.
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Google will pay $135 million to settle a proposed class action by smartphone users who accused the tech giant of programming its Android operating system to collect cellular data without user consent.
A preliminary settlement was filed late Tuesday night in the federal court of San Jose, California, pending judicial approval. This settlement addresses claims from users of Android-powered devices dating back to November 12, 2017.
Despite agreeing to the settlement, Google has denied any wrongdoing. Users alleged that Google collected cellular data, which they purchased from mobile carriers, even when they closed Google’s apps, disabled location-sharing, or locked their screens. This data collection was said to support Google’s product development and targeted advertising campaigns, leading to claims of “conversion.” This legal term refers to the wrongful taking of another party’s property with the intent to assert control over it.
As part of the settlement agreement, Google will implement measures to ensure that data transfers will not occur without obtaining explicit consent from Android users during the setup of their devices. Additionally, the company will simplify the process for users to stop these transfers by introducing toggle options and will disclose such transfers in its Google Play terms of service.
Glen Summers, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, stated in a court filing that the $135 million payout is believed to be the largest ever in a conversion case. Payments to class members will be capped at $100 each. A damages expert for the plaintiffs estimated that potential damages could have reached as high as $1.05 billion.
The lawsuit was initiated in November 2020, with a trial originally scheduled for August 5. Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating, “We are pleased to resolve this case, which mischaracterized standard industry practices that keep Android safe. We’re providing additional disclosures to give people more information about how our services work.”
The plaintiffs’ legal team may seek up to $39.8 million, or 29.5% of the settlement fund, to cover legal fees.
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