Privacy Victory: Google Must Pay $314.6M for Unauthorized Android Data Use

In a major win for privacy advocates, a California jury has ruled that Google must pay over $314.6 million to Android smartphone users. The jury found Google responsible for collecting and transmitting data from idle devices without user permission, creating “mandatory and unavoidable burdens” for Android users that benefited the company. This ruling underscores the importance of informed consent in data collection.
The lawsuit, filed as a class action in 2019, involved approximately 14 million California residents. Plaintiffs argued that Google used data from dormant Android phones for its own purposes, including personalized advertising, which led to users incurring cellular data costs without their explicit agreement. This practice was central to the legal challenge.
Google, part of Alphabet, has indicated it will appeal the decision. Company spokesperson Jose Castaneda commented that the verdict “misunderstands services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices.” This suggests Google believes its data practices are integral to the Android ecosystem.
Glen Summers, the attorney for the plaintiffs, praised the verdict as a “forceful vindication of the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Google’s misconduct.” The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding big tech’s data practices and user privacy. A related federal lawsuit, representing Android users in the remaining 49 states, is set for trial in April 2026.