Google Pays Android Phone Owners $135 Million. Learn why and who is eligible
The class-action lawsuit that “Google caused Android mobile devices to transmit various information to Google without users’ consent, consuming users’ mobile data,” is about to end. Two sides in Taylor v. Google LLC (PDF) have agreed to a settlement and have begun to settle.
For years, Google has been accused of harvesting data from Android phones without users’ consent. The California lawsuit was settled for $314 million last year, and this new settlement could mean payments to another 100 million people.
Without admitting wrongdoing, Google agreed to an initial settlement in January, pledged to pay $135 million for damage. The payment website is now live.
The final approval hearing won’t take place until June 23, when the court will hear appeals and consider whether Google’s settlement is fair. After that, the court will decide whether to approve the $135 million settlement.
Meanwhile, if you are eligible and want to be paid as part of the compensation, you can choose your preferred payment method on the official website. There, you can find information about speaking at the June 23 hearing and how to withdraw or write to the court to object before May 29.
As part of the settlement, Google will update Google Play’s terms of service to clarify that certain data transfers occur slowly even when you’re not using your Android device, and that mobile data may be relied upon when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. This cannot remain disabled, but users will be prompted to enable it when setting up their device.
Google will also fully stop data collection when its “allow background data usage” option is turned off.
Who can be a part of the Google data settlement?
To join the agreement of Taylor v. Google LLC, you must meet four qualifications:
- Be a living, individual person in the US.
- You used an Android mobile device with a mobile data plan.
- You have used the aforementioned device at any time since Nov. 12, 2017, until the date the loan receives final approval.
- You are not a class member in Csupo v. Google LLC, similar but specifically for California residents.
The final approval hearing is June 23, so you can add your payment method until then. The date and time of the hearing is subject to change, and any updates will be posted on the billing website.
If you choose to do nothing, you will still be offered a compensation payment, but you may not receive it if you do not choose a payment method.
Watch this: Your Phone Is Disgusting: Let’s Fix That
How much can I get paid by Google?
It is not yet known exactly how much each member of the settlement class will receive, but the maximum amount is $100. Payments will be distributed after final court approval and after resolution of any appeals.
After all administrative, tax and attorney fees have been paid, the settlement administrator will try to pay each member an equal amount. If there are funds left over after the payments have been sent, and it is economically feasible, they will be redistributed to the members who have been paid earlier and effectively. If it is not economically feasible, the funds will go to an organization approved by the court.
