Google Settles Android Data Suit for $135 Million

Google has agreed to a $135 million settlement to resolve a federal class action lawsuit accusing its Android operating system of transmitting user data over cellular networks without adequate consent, potentially affecting tens of millions of U.S. device owners.

The case, filed in 2020 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleged that Android devices sent information to Google's servers in the background, even when phones were idle, apps were closed, and Wi-Fi was available. Plaintiffs claimed these passive transfers consumed cellular data that users paid for through their mobile carriers, primarily benefiting Google by enabling data collection without clear disclosure. The lawsuit covered system-level processes baked into the operating system, raising concerns about privacy and unexpected data usage charges, particularly for those with limited plans.

Google denied any wrongdoing and made no admission of fault in the agreement, which was reached to avoid prolonged litigation. The settlement, which received preliminary court approval earlier this year, includes non-monetary provisions requiring Google to update its Google Play terms of service....