Google to pay $135-million to settle class action over Android data transfers

Google has agreed to a $135-million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit filed by smartphone users who claimed the company’s Android operating system collected their cellular data without their consent. The lawsuit, filed in November 2020, alleged that Google continued to collect data even when users had closed apps, disabled location sharing, or locked their screens, using the data for product development and targeted advertising. Google denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

The agreement, filed in a San Jose, California federal court, requires judicial approval. As part of the settlement, Google will modify its practices to require explicit consent from Android users before transferring data and will provide clearer disclosures in its Google Play terms of service. Users will also have an easier way to stop data transfers.

While potential damages were estimated at $1.05 billion, individual payments are capped at $100 per class member. The plaintiffs’ lawyers may request up to $39.8 million in legal fees. Google stated they are “pleased to resolve this case” and are providing additional disclosures to clarify how their services operate.

(Source：The Globe and Mail)