Google Settles $68M Over Voice Assistant Spying Allegations
Google has reached a settlement of $68 million regarding allegations that its voice assistant engaged in unlawful spying. This class-action suit accused the company of intercepting and recording private conversations without user consent.
Details of the Settlement
The lawsuit claimed that Google was involved in the “unlawful and intentional interception” of confidential communications. It alleged that the information gathered through these recordings was shared with third parties for targeted advertising and other uses.
False Activation Claims
A central issue in the case was the concept of “false accepts.” This term refers to instances where Google Assistant apparently activated and recorded conversations without users explicitly prompting it with a wake word.
Wider Implications for Privacy
Concerns over device privacy have been prevalent among users, leading to increased scrutiny of tech companies. Many Americans worry that their devices surge in surveillance without their awareness or consent.
Previous Settlements in Tech
- In 2021, Apple settled a similar case for $95 million, where Siri recorded conversations without prompts.
- In 2022, Google paid $1.4 billion to Texas to resolve lawsuits alleging violations of state data privacy laws.
As privacy laws evolve, tech giants like Google continue to face legal challenges concerning user data. The recent settlement highlights ongoing tensions between technology companies and user privacy rights.
