Google Settles for $135M Over ‘Hijacked’ Cellular Data Claims
Google has reached a settlement of $135 million concerning claims that it misappropriated cellular data from Android users. This decision resolves a legal dispute that began in 2020, following allegations that Google collected data without users’ consent, particularly when applications were inactive.
Details of the Settlement
If approved by U.S. District Court Judge Virginia DeMarchi in San Jose, this settlement will address claims made by plaintiffs, including Joseph Taylor. They argued that Google unlawfully appropriated their cellular data allowances, which users had purchased.
Background Information
The controversy centers around data collection practices on Android devices. Users reported that their devices transmitted data to Google numerous times daily, even when the apps weren’t in use. According to a 2018 study by Vanderbilt University professor Douglas Schmidt, these background data transfers occur hundreds of times a day.
Google’s Obligations
- Google must inform users that data transfers happen in the background.
- Users will be made aware that some transfers cannot be disabled.
Google’s spokesperson, José Castaneda, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, asserting that the case misrepresented typical industry practices. The company plans to provide more transparency regarding its operations.
Legal Journey
The case was initially dismissed by Judge DeMarchi, who concluded that cellular data did not qualify as property that could be misappropriated. However, the plaintiffs successfully appealed this ruling at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. They argued that Google “secretly hijacked their cellular data, without their consent.”
Court Rulings
The 9th Circuit judges ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, determining that cellular data is indeed property. They noted that this data enables access to the cellular network and can be measured and attributed to individual users.
Following the appellate court’s decision, there is an expectation that Judge DeMarchi will provide a preliminary ruling on the settlement next month.
