How did the Google Assistant allegedly spy on users?

The lawsuit claimed that Google Assistant began listening to private conversations after mishearing them as wake words, then using the captured data for targeted advertisements.

Has Apple faced similar issues with its voice assistant?

Yes, Apple faced very similar allegations concerning its Siri voice assistant, which resulted in a $95 million settlement in January 2025.

Home / Technology / Google Assistant Spied on Users? $68M Deal Reached

Google Assistant Spied on Users? $68M Deal Reached

Q: What was Google's $68 million settlement about?

Google agreed to a $68 million settlement to resolve claims that its Google Assistant feature inappropriately spied on smartphone users by listening to private conversations.

27 Jan

•

Summary

Google agreed to a $68 million settlement over spying claims.
Users alleged Google Assistant listened after mishearing wake words.
Apple's Siri faced similar allegations, resulting in a $95 million settlement.

Google Assistant Spied on Users? $68M Deal Reached

Google has agreed to a $68 million settlement to resolve claims that its Google Assistant feature inappropriately spied on smartphone users. The lawsuit alleged that the voice assistant began listening to private conversations after misinterpreting them as wake words.

Plaintiffs contended that this inadvertently captured data was then used by Google Assistant to deliver targeted advertisements. While Google denied any wrongdoing, the company opted for a settlement to circumvent the expenses and uncertainties of a trial.

The preliminary settlement was filed on Friday and awaits approval from U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman. This situation echoes similar accusations against Apple's Siri voice assistant, which led to a $95 million settlement in January 2025.

Google has been phasing out the Google Assistant in favor of its newer Gemini tool, though the privacy implications of AI chatbots remain a concern.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

Google Assistant Spied on Users? $68M Deal Reached

27 Jan

•

Summary

Google agreed to a $68 million settlement over spying claims.
Users alleged Google Assistant listened after mishearing wake words.
Apple's Siri faced similar allegations, resulting in a $95 million settlement.

Google has been phasing out the Google Assistant in favor of its newer Gemini tool, though the privacy implications of AI chatbots remain a concern.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.