Google has reached a preliminary settlement in a class-action lawsuit, Taylor v. Google LLC, agreeing to pay $135 million to resolve allegations regarding unauthorized data harvesting on Android devices. This development follows a previous $314 million settlement last year, highlighting a growing trend of legal scrutiny over how big tech companies manage user privacy and background data transmission.
The Core of the Dispute
The lawsuit centers on claims that Google collected user data from Android devices without explicit consent. While Google has not admitted to any wrongdoing, the settlement aims to address concerns regarding how data is transferred “passively”—meaning data is sent even when a user is not actively interacting with their device.
To prevent similar issues moving forward, Google has committed to several structural changes in how it handles user information:
– Updated Terms of Service: Google Play terms will be revised to explicitly state that certain data transfers occur in the background and may utilize cellular data when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
– Enhanced User Consent: Users will be prompted to consent to these practices during device setup.
– Granular Control: Google has pledged to fully cease data collection when a user toggles off the “allow background data usage” option.
Eligibility: Who Can Claim a Payment?
The settlement could potentially impact up to 100 million people. To be eligible for a payout from the Taylor v. Google LLC settlement, individuals must meet the following four criteria:
- Residency: Must be a living individual residing in the United States.
- Device Type: Must have used an Android mobile device with a cellular data plan.
- Timeline: Must have used such a device at any time between November 12, 2017, and the date the settlement receives final approval.
- Exclusion Clause: You are not eligible if you are already a member of the Csupo v. Google LLC lawsuit (which is a separate settlement specifically for California residents).
Payout Details and Important Deadlines
While the exact amount for each individual has not been finalized, the settlement includes a $100 cap per person. The final distribution will occur after all administrative, legal, and tax costs are covered. Any remaining funds will either be redistributed to successful claimants or donated to a court-approved organization.
Key Dates to Remember:
- May 29: Deadline to exclude yourself from the class or write to the court to object to the settlement.
- June 23: The final approval hearing, where the court will decide if the settlement is fair and binding.
- Payment Setup: Users are encouraged to visit the official settlement website to select their preferred payment method.
Note: If you do nothing, you may still be entitled to a payment, but you risk not receiving it if a payment method is not selected through the official portal.
Why This Matters
This settlement is part of a broader shift in the tech industry where “passive data collection”—the gathering of information while a phone sits idle in a pocket—is moving from a standard practice to a legal liability. For consumers, this represents a rare opportunity to receive direct compensation for privacy lapses, while for the industry, it sets a precedent for how much transparency is required regarding background data usage.
The final outcome of this settlement depends on the court’s decision following the June 23 hearing.
