GoKawiilA 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.
For years, Google has been accused of harvesting data from Android phones without users' consent. A California lawsuit was settled for $314 million last year, and this new settlement could mean payouts for another 100 million people.
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.
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