For years, Google has been accused of harvesting data from Android phones without users' consent. A California lawsuit was settled for $314 million last year, and another class action lawsuit recently reached a resolution that could mean payouts for another 100 million people.
While not admitting fault, Google reached a preliminary settlement in the class action lawsuit Taylor v. Google LLC in January, agreeing to pay $135 million, and the official settlement website for the lawsuit is now live.
The final approval hearing won't occur until June 23, when the court will hear objections and consider whether Google's settlement is fair. After that, the court will decide whether to approve the $135 million settlement.
In the meantime, if you qualify and want to be paid as part of the settlement, you can select your preferred payment method on the official website. There, you can find information on speaking at the June 23 court hearing and on how to exclude yourself or write to the court to object by May 29.
As part of the settlement, Google will update its Google Play terms of service to clarify that certain data transfers do occur passively even when you're not using your Android device, and that cellular data may be relied upon when not connected to Wi-Fi. This can't always be disabled, but users will be asked to consent to it when setting up their device.
Google will also fully stop collecting data when its "allow background data usage" option is toggled off.
Who can be part of the Google data settlement?
In order to join the Taylor v. Google LLC settlement, you must meet four qualifications:
- Be a living, individual human being in the US.
- Have used an Android mobile device with a cellular data plan.
- Have used the aforementioned device at any time from Nov. 12, 2017, to the date when the settlement receives final approval.
- You're not a class member in the Csupo v. Google LLC lawsuit, which is similar but specifically for California residents.
The final approval hearing is on June 23, so you can add your payment method until then. The hearing's date and time may change, and any updates will be posted on the settlement website.
If you choose to do nothing, you will still be issued a settlement payment, but you may not receive it if you don't select a payment method.
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How much could I get paid by Google?
It's not currently known exactly how much each settlement class member will receive, but the cap is $100. Payments will be distributed after final court approval and after any appeals are resolved.
After all administrative, tax and attorney costs are paid, the settlement administrator will attempt to pay each member an equal amount. If any funds remain after payments are sent, and it's economically feasible, they will be redistributed to members who were previously and successfully paid. If it's not economically feasible, the funds will go to an organization approved by the court.