A California jury has ruled that Google must pay $314.6 million to Android users for allegedly collecting data from idle devices without consent. The ruling follows a 2019 class-action lawsuit that targeted the tech giant for using cellular data from idle phones for targeted advertising, which plaintiffs argued created “mandatory and unavoidable burdens” for users. The San Jose jury found Google liable for these practices, which affected an estimated 14 million Californians.
The lawsuit was brought by a group of consumers who claimed that Google’s data collection efforts, which involved monitoring idle devices to gather user behavior, constituted a breach of privacy and violated state laws. Legal experts noted that the ruling underscores the growing scrutiny of tech companies over data privacy practices, as more users become aware of how their personal information is being used for commercial purposes.
Google has yet to comment on the ruling, but the company has previously faced multiple data privacy lawsuits over similar issues. The verdict could have wider implications for the tech industry, as it sets a precedent for how data collection practices are regulated and enforced in the United States. Analysts suggest that the case may encourage more users to seek legal action against companies that exploit their data for profit, potentially leading to significant financial consequences for major tech firms.
The decision also highlights the increasing role of consumer advocacy groups in holding large corporations accountable for their data handling practices. With more states enacting stringent data privacy laws, companies like Google must navigate a complex regulatory landscape that prioritizes user consent and transparency in data collection methods.