In a landmark ruling, a California jury has fined Google $314.6 million for abusing Android user data. The company was found liable for transferring data from idle devices without permission, creating what the lawsuit called “mandatory and unavoidable burdens” for Android users that benefited Google. This decision sets a significant precedent for digital privacy.
The class-action lawsuit, initiated in 2019, involved an estimated 14 million California residents. Plaintiffs contended that Google harvested information from dormant Android phones for company uses like targeted advertising, which resulted in users’ cellular data being consumed without their consent. This alleged practice was at the core of the legal dispute.
Google plans to appeal the decision. Spokesperson Jose Castaneda indicated that the verdict “misunderstand services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices.” Google’s appeal will likely argue that these data practices are integral to the functioning of Android.
Glen Summers, the plaintiffs’ attorney, expressed strong approval of the verdict, stating it “forcefully vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Google’s misconduct.” This case highlights the ongoing tension between technological innovation and consumer privacy. A related federal lawsuit, covering Android users in the remaining 49 states, is slated for trial in April 2026.
Landmark Ruling: Google Fined $314.6M for Android Data Abuse
