Google Settles Android Data Usage and Assistant Privacy Lawsuits Amidst Denial of Wrongdoing
In a significant development, Google has recently settled two major class-action lawsuits concerning privacy issues related to its Android operating system and Google Assistant. Despite agreeing to substantial financial settlements, the tech giant continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Android Data Usage Settlement
The first lawsuit accused Google of programming its Android OS to collect users’ cellular data without explicit permission. This case, covering devices dating back to November 2017, alleged that Google needlessly collected cellular data even when users had closed Google apps, locked their phones, and disabled location sharing. To resolve this, Google has agreed to a $135 million settlement. Additionally, the company has committed to implementing changes that prevent data transfer without user consent during device setup. Android will also introduce a setting to allow users to easily disable this data transfer.
Google Assistant Privacy Settlement
The second lawsuit focused on privacy concerns related to Google Assistant. It alleged that the Assistant spied inappropriately on users whenever it misheard the Hey Google wake phrase, affecting devices dating back to May 2016. Google has settled this case for $68 million. This situation mirrors a similar case faced by Apple in 2024, where the company paid out $95 million over allegations that its Siri assistant recorded users without consent.
Google’s Stance and Broader Implications
In both instances, Google has denied any wrongdoing. However, these settlements highlight the growing scrutiny over tech companies’ data collection practices and the importance of user consent. They also underscore the necessity for companies to be transparent about how they handle user data and to provide clear options for users to control their privacy settings.
