Google Settlement Could Pay Android Users Up to $100
Android users could get up to $100 as part of two new Google settlements. The total payout is between $100 to $135 million.
Google got accused of programming its Android operating system to collect cellular data without permission. That's one class action lawsuit filed in federal court in the Northern District of California.
Another lawsuit filed in the same court accused Google of enabling its voice-activated assistant to spy on users.
Both settlements need a judge's approval before moving forward. Google has denied wrongdoing in both cases.
"We are pleased to resolve this case, which mischaracterized standard industry practices that keep Android safe," José Castañeda, Google spokesperson, said in a statement.
It seems standard industry practices are what Google calls collecting data without permission.
What Google Allegedly Did
The Android lawsuit says Google collected cellular data from users that the company allegedly purchased from mobile carriers. The data was allegedly collected even when users had their Google apps closed, their screens locked or had disabled location-sharing.
So, you closed the app. Locked your screen. Disabled location-sharing. Yet Google allegedly collected your data anyway.
As a result, users saw more targeted ads. The lawsuit claims the ads stemmed from the collected data. The ads amounted to "conversion," which is attempting to assert control over one party by taking the other's property.
The Google Assistant settlement accuses the company of illegally recording and sharing private conversations for targeted advertising after the feature got activated.
The feature activates with phrases like "Hey Google" or "Okay Google." So you say "Hey Google" and it starts recording, allegedly for ad targeting.
Who Gets Money
The Android settlement was filed on January 27 and could result in $100 paid out to each class member if approved.
The Google Assistant settlement was filed on January 23. Google agreed to pay $68 million to settle that case. It applies to users who purchased Google devices since May 18, 2016.
Both settlements still need judge approval.
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