Accused of unauthorized user data collection, Google agrees to over $100 million settlement in Android user class-action lawsuit

21st Century Business Herald Reporter Zhang Chi

On January 29, Google agreed to pay $135 million to settle a class-action lawsuit involving Android users. The plaintiffs accused Google of collecting mobile cellular data without permission for product development and targeted advertising purposes, claiming that such actions constituted illegal appropriation of property. In the lawsuit, users pointed out that even if they turned off Google apps, location sharing features, or locked their phone screens, Google still collected their cellular data purchased from mobile carriers without authorization.

Google did not admit any wrongdoing in reaching the settlement. According to the agreement, compensation will be provided to all users of Android devices starting from November 12, 2017, with a maximum payout of $100 per person. It is estimated that Android users in the U.S. account for about 40% of the entire mobile market.

As part of the settlement, Google must obtain explicit user consent during the initial setup of Android devices before transmitting data. Google will also streamline the process for users to block data transmission via toggle switches and disclose information related to data transfer in the terms of service of the Google Play Store.

Currently, the settlement has been submitted to the United States District Court in San Jose, California, and awaits judge approval. The case is scheduled for a hearing on August 5.

It is understood that Google’s recent settlement payments for multiple data disputes have approached $200 million. Two days after the settlement was announced, Google also agreed to pay approximately $68 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that the Google Assistant voice assistant illegally eavesdropped on users through smart speakers and mobile phones.