This data was used to help Google send more targeted advertising to Android users and also expand Google’s mapping capabilities. As you might expect, Google disagrees with the verdict and plans to appeal. The suit was originally filed back in 2019 in Santa Clara Superior Court on behalf of California residents. A parallel case in federal court is coming up and will be heard in early 2026 for nationwide Android users.
The plaintiffs said, “While Plaintiffs’ Android devices were in their purses and pockets, and even while sitting seemingly idle on Plaintiffs’ nightstands as they slept, Google’s Android technology appropriated cellular data paid for by Plaintiffs—without Plaintiffs’ knowledge or consent—to send Google all sorts of information. These “passive” information transfers occur because Google has programmed its Android operating system and Google applications to cause mobile devices to provide enormous amounts of information to Google, much of which Google uses to further its own corporate interests, including targeted digital advertising.”
The complaint noted that less information is sent through passive transfers on iOS because iPhones give users more control over this type of activity.
“Because of Google’s deliberate design decisions, these passive information transfers using cellular data allowances purchased by plaintiffs are mandatory and unavoidable burdens shouldered by Android device users for Google’s benefit and convenience.”
-Part of the complaint filed by the plaintiffs
As for not getting permission from Android users, Castañeda said that Android users do consent to the transfers by agreeing to multiple terms of service agreements and device setting options. Marc Wallenstein, a lawyer representing the consumers, said, “We are incredibly grateful for the jury’s verdict, which forcefully vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Google’s misconduct.” The case is Csupo v. Alphabet Inc., 19CV352557, California Superior Court, Santa Clara County.
