Google ordered to pay millions over data collection—see if you're affected
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If you use an Android phone and live in a certain state, you could be owed money.
A jury recently found that Google collected user data from idle Android devices without permission, and ordered the company to pay millions in damages.
The lawsuit revealed that this background data collection supported Google's advertising business—without users' knowledge.
Roughly 14 million residents are covered by the case, which focuses on activity dating back to 2016.
If the ruling stands, many Android users in that state may qualify for compensation.
At the heart of the lawsuit is the claim that Google collected data from Android phones while they were idle—phones sitting untouched on a nightstand or in a pocket.
The data was then sent back and forth between devices and Google’s servers, all without user awareness.
The plaintiffs argued that this constant transfer used up cellular data and happened without permission, violating privacy rights and costing users money.
The lawsuit also revealed that this background data collection continued even when users thought they had turned it off through their device settings.
According to the jury, Google gave users the illusion of control—while continuing to gather information in the background.
A California jury sided with the plaintiffs, ordering Google to pay an undisclosed amount in damages.
The case is considered a significant win for user privacy.
Attorney Glen Summers, representing the plaintiffs, stated that Google “secretly collects a massive amount of information from Android smartphones,” and that this ongoing activity used customers’ cellular data without their consent.
The ruling highlights a growing concern: companies claiming to give users control over their personal data while still operating behind the scenes.
Google strongly disagrees with the ruling and plans to appeal.
A spokesperson said, “This ruling is a setback for users, as it misunderstands services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices.”
The company maintains that its data collection practices are covered by user agreements and that no real harm was done.
Google’s appeal means that no payments will be issued immediately.
However, if the ruling is upheld, eligible California Android users may be contacted with instructions on how to claim their share of the settlement.
Meanwhile, a similar federal class action case is set to go to trial in April 2026 and could expand the scope of compensation to Android users across the rest of the country.
This case underscores a larger movement to hold tech companies accountable for how they use personal data.
Many people accept user agreements without reading them—trusting that the settings on their devices reflect their privacy choices.
But this case shows that isn’t always the reality.
Even when users believe they’ve opted out, companies may continue collecting data behind the scenes.
It’s a reminder to stay informed about your digital rights and to regularly review your privacy settings.
While technology offers convenience, it also requires us to be more vigilant about how our personal information is handled.
This case is a powerful reminder of how much control tech companies have over our personal information—and why transparency matters.
As similar lawsuits move forward in other states, millions more Android users could be affected.
Whether you're eligible for compensation or just concerned about your privacy, now is a good time to review your phone settings and stay informed.
Read next: You could be owed thousands from these data breach settlements—here’s how to claim it before time runs out
Do you think tech companies are doing enough to protect your privacy—or is it time for stricter rules? Let us know in the comments!
A jury recently found that Google collected user data from idle Android devices without permission, and ordered the company to pay millions in damages.
The lawsuit revealed that this background data collection supported Google's advertising business—without users' knowledge.
Roughly 14 million residents are covered by the case, which focuses on activity dating back to 2016.
If the ruling stands, many Android users in that state may qualify for compensation.
A major court ruling puts Google’s data practices under scrutiny—and could mean payouts for Android users. Image Source: Pexels / AS Photography.
What exactly did Google do?
At the heart of the lawsuit is the claim that Google collected data from Android phones while they were idle—phones sitting untouched on a nightstand or in a pocket.
The data was then sent back and forth between devices and Google’s servers, all without user awareness.
The plaintiffs argued that this constant transfer used up cellular data and happened without permission, violating privacy rights and costing users money.
The lawsuit also revealed that this background data collection continued even when users thought they had turned it off through their device settings.
According to the jury, Google gave users the illusion of control—while continuing to gather information in the background.
Also read: Hackers could be tracking you RIGHT NOW through your phone—protect yourself with these essential steps!
What was the verdict?
A California jury sided with the plaintiffs, ordering Google to pay an undisclosed amount in damages.
The case is considered a significant win for user privacy.
Attorney Glen Summers, representing the plaintiffs, stated that Google “secretly collects a massive amount of information from Android smartphones,” and that this ongoing activity used customers’ cellular data without their consent.
The ruling highlights a growing concern: companies claiming to give users control over their personal data while still operating behind the scenes.
Also read: 5 simple smartphone habits the NSA says can instantly boost your privacy—are you doing them?
What is Google’s response?
Google strongly disagrees with the ruling and plans to appeal.
A spokesperson said, “This ruling is a setback for users, as it misunderstands services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices.”
The company maintains that its data collection practices are covered by user agreements and that no real harm was done.
Also read: Experts warn some PINs are riskier than others—is yours on the list?
What happens next?
Google’s appeal means that no payments will be issued immediately.
However, if the ruling is upheld, eligible California Android users may be contacted with instructions on how to claim their share of the settlement.
Meanwhile, a similar federal class action case is set to go to trial in April 2026 and could expand the scope of compensation to Android users across the rest of the country.
Also read: Is your personal information being misused? How stolen identities are costing taxpayers billions
What it means for your privacy
This case underscores a larger movement to hold tech companies accountable for how they use personal data.
Many people accept user agreements without reading them—trusting that the settings on their devices reflect their privacy choices.
But this case shows that isn’t always the reality.
Even when users believe they’ve opted out, companies may continue collecting data behind the scenes.
It’s a reminder to stay informed about your digital rights and to regularly review your privacy settings.
While technology offers convenience, it also requires us to be more vigilant about how our personal information is handled.
Also read: Millions at risk: The crucial Google setting you need to check NOW to avoid a dangerous new phone scam
How to check if you’re eligible
- Were you an Android user living in California between 2016 and the present? If so, you may be part of the class action.
- Watch for official communication. If the decision stands, affected users will likely receive instructions on how to file a claim.
- Stay updated on the status of this case—and the federal trial scheduled for 2026—through reliable news sources or official class action websites.
This case is a powerful reminder of how much control tech companies have over our personal information—and why transparency matters.
As similar lawsuits move forward in other states, millions more Android users could be affected.
Whether you're eligible for compensation or just concerned about your privacy, now is a good time to review your phone settings and stay informed.
Read next: You could be owed thousands from these data breach settlements—here’s how to claim it before time runs out
Do you think tech companies are doing enough to protect your privacy—or is it time for stricter rules? Let us know in the comments!
