Google Pays $200M for Privacy Breaches

Google has recently settled two significant class action lawsuits for a combined total of $200 million, addressing allegations of user privacy violations. The larger settlement, amounting to $135 million, resolves claims that the company collected user cellular data without explicit permission. This practice allegedly continued even when Google applications were closed, location sharing was disabled, and devices were locked.

This data was reportedly used for product development and targeted advertising, with the lawsuit framing it as a form of "conversion," the wrongful acquisition of property. This settlement is considered a landmark in conversion cases. As part of the agreement, Google will implement consent requests during device setup for data transfers and provide users with a toggle to opt-out.

The second settlement, for $68 million, centers on claims that Google Assistant recorded private user conversations without consent. This has reignited discussions about voice assistants potentially listening to users. While Google Assistant does listen for a "wake word," the lawsuit alleged unauthorized recording occurred outside of this active listening state, with potential data sharing with advertisers.