Google settles Google Assistant privacy lawsuit for $68 million
Google will pay $68 million to settle a lawsuit alleging its Assistant illegally recorded user conversations for targeted advertising.Summary
Google has agreed to a $68 million settlement in a privacy lawsuit claiming its Google Assistant inappropriately recorded smartphone users' conversations. The preliminary class action settlement, filed in a California federal court, alleges that Google illegally recorded and disseminated private conversations triggered by “hot words” like “Hey Google” or “Okay Google,” even when misinterpreting other sounds as these triggers – known as “false accepts.” Users claimed these recordings were used to send them targeted advertising. While Google denied any wrongdoing, the company settled to avoid the costs and uncertainties of litigation. The settlement covers individuals who purchased Google devices or experienced false accepts since May 18, 2016. Apple reached a similar $95 million settlement in December 2024 regarding similar privacy concerns with Siri.
(Source：Cnbc)