For years, Google has been accused of harvesting data from Android phones without users’ consent. Following a California lawsuit that was settled for $314 million last year, a new settlement could mean payouts for another 100 million people.
A class action lawsuit alleging “Google caused Android mobile devices to transfer a variety of information to Google without users’ permission, consuming users’ cellular data,” is nearing its end. The two sides in Taylor v. Google LLC (PDF) have agreed to a settlement and have begun resolving it.
Without admitting fault, Google agreed to a preliminary settlement in January, committing to pay $135 million in damages. The settlement website is now live.
The final approval hearing won’t occur until June 23, when the court will hear objections and consider whether Google’s settlement is fair. After that, the court will decide whether to approve the $135 million settlement.
In the meantime, if you qualify and want to be paid as part of the settlement, you can select your preferred payment method on the official website. There, you can find information on speaking at the June 23 court hearing and on how to exclude yourself or write to the court to object by May 29.
As part of the settlement, Google will update its Google Play terms of service to clarify that certain data transfers do occur passively even when you’re not using your Android device, and that cellular data may be relied upon when not connected to Wi-Fi. This can’t always be disabled, but users will be asked to consent to it when setting up their device.
Google will also fully stop collecting data when its “allow background data usage” option is toggled off.
Who can be part of the Google data settlement?
In order to join the Taylor v. Google LLC settlement, you must meet four qualifications:
- Be a living, individual human being in the US.
- Have used an Android mobile device with a cellular data plan.
- Have used the aforementioned device at any time from Nov. 12, 2017, to the date when the settlement receives final approval.
- You’re not a class member in the Csupo v. Google LLC lawsuit, which is similar but specifically for California residents.
To set your payment information on the official settlement website, you’ll need a Notice ID and Confirmation Code, which the settlement administrators mailed or emailed to eligible claimants.
The final approval hearing is on June 23, so you can add your payment method until then. The hearing’s date and time may change, and any updates will be posted on the settlement website.
To set your payment method, you’ll need a Notice ID and Confirmation Code from a settlement notification email or letter.
If you choose to do nothing and are eligible, you will still be issued a settlement payment, but not selecting a payment method might increase your risk of not getting paid.
Even if you didn’t receive a notification letter or email, you still might be eligible for a payout from Google. To find out, you can call the toll-free information number at 1-844-655-4255 or email info@FederalCellularClassAction.com. You can also mail a letter requesting more information to: Federal Cellular Class Action, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
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How much could I get paid by Google?
It’s not currently known exactly how much each settlement class member will receive, but the maximum is $100. Payments will be distributed after final court approval and after the resolution of any appeals.
After all administrative, tax and attorney costs are paid, the settlement administrator will attempt to pay each member an equal amount. If any funds remain after payments are sent, and it’s economically feasible, they will be redistributed to members who were previously and successfully paid. If it’s not economically feasible, the funds will go to an organization approved by the court.