Google Agrees to Pay $135M in Huge Android Data-Harvesting Settlement

Android users, take note: On Tuesday, Google reached a preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit over illegal data collection. If it goes through, Google will pay out $135 million to Android phone users, possibly the largest settlement of this kind in history.

According to the lawsuit, starting in 2017, Google programmed its Android OS to automatically collect cellular data via carriers, with no way for users to opt out. The lawsuit asserted that this data collection occurred even when users took steps such as disabling location tracking or closing apps.

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The lawsuit also made a significant claim: that Google’s data collection practices constituted a crime called conversion. Conversion occurs when one party takes property from another with the intent to deprive them of it. No conversion cases have ever settled for $135 million.

As part of the settlement, Google has denied any wrongdoing.

“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,” said Google spokesperson José Castañeda.

The lawsuit could have significant implications for data privacy and other data collection practices. It will also change Google’s terms of service. The company has agreed to obtain more explicit consent from Android users when first using new phones, to include a toggle button to turn off certain types of data collection, and to disclose data collection more clearly.

How do Android users know if they’ll get paid?

This is a preliminary settlement ahead of the first trial date in August, so we don’t yet know all the details. The judge will have to approve the settlement and confirm the time frame, payment method and other specifics.

Here’s what we do know: Payments would be capped at $100 per person, so no one should expect to get more than that. Also, in most cases, you have to sign up to become a part of a class action lawsuit. If you didn’t sign on to this specific lawsuit by now, you’re not likely to receive any money.

Another settlement involved ad targeting

It’s been an eventful week for Google settlements. Earlier this week, Google also agreed to a $68 million preliminary settlement in another class action lawsuit, this one involving Google Assistant (now being replaced with Gemini for Home). 

Users said smart devices used Google Assistant to listen to them without their activation, leading to ad targeting based on information they hadn’t willingly shared. 

In that settlement, payments will be made automatically. No claim form is required to receive a payment.