Google's $135M Android Data Payout

A $135 million settlement is nearing final approval for Android users in the US, addressing claims that Google secretly collected user data via cellular networks. The lawsuit, Joseph Taylor v. Google, alleges that Android OS updates since 2017 automatically transmitted user information without opt-out options, even when location tracking was disabled. Google denies wrongdoing but has agreed to this settlement, which includes increased transparency and user consent for data collection.

The final court approval meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2026. Eligible class members must select their preferred payment method on the official settlement website by this date to receive their portion of the payout, capped at $100 per person. Those wishing to pursue individual legal action must opt out by May 29, 2026, to retain their right to sue separately.

This case could significantly impact data privacy regulations and Google's terms of service. The company has committed to obtaining more explicit user consent and providing clearer disclosures about data collection practices. Separately, Google recently agreed to a $68 million preliminary settlement for its Google Assistant service, addressing similar concerns about unauthorized listening and ad targeting.