Google Faces $314 Million Fine for Violating Android Users' Privacy in California
A jury in California ruled on Tuesday, July 1, that Google misused the data of Android phone users and ordered it to pay compensation exceeding $314.6 million, as announced by prosecutors.
The verdict came after prosecutors proved that Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, was transferring user data without their consent, even when the phones were idle, described as "mandatory burdens Android users bear for Google's benefit."
In response to the ruling, Google's spokesperson, Jose Castaneda, stated that the company intends to appeal the decision, noting that it "reflects a misunderstanding of services essential for the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices."
On the other hand, plaintiffs' attorney, Glenn Summers, praised the ruling, saying it "strongly validates the merits of this lawsuit and reflects the seriousness of Google's violations."
It is worth noting that the class action lawsuit was filed in 2019 on behalf of 14 million users in California, accusing Google of collecting user data while their devices were idle for commercial purposes, such as targeted advertising, leading to the consumption of their data without their knowledge.
Google denied in court that the data transfers caused harm to users, affirming that users consented to them under the company's terms of service and privacy policies.
In a related development, a federal court in San Jose is preparing to hear a similar lawsuit against Google on behalf of Android users in 49 other U.S. states, with trial sessions scheduled to begin in April 2026.
