Who Will Get Part of Google’s $135 Million Android Settlement?
To avoid litigation, Google agreed to a $135 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit related to Android data collection practices. The agreement was first reported by Reuters . Following approval by a judge, Android users in the US could receive up to $100 each, subject to the terms of the settlement.
The settlement, filed Tuesday evening in San Jose, California, concerns allegations that Google collected unnecessary data about users’ cellular communications, even when Google apps were closed, location sharing was disabled, and screens were locked. The lawsuit alleges that Google collected data for the purpose of “conversion,” a legal term that, in this case, likely refers to using the collected data for product development and targeted advertising.
Google denies any wrongdoing, but as part of the agreement, it agreed not to transfer data during Android setup without the user’s consent. The company will also implement new toggles in Android to prevent further cellular data transfer and will disclose any data transfer in the Google Play terms of service.
According to Glen Summers, the plaintiffs’ attorney, the $135 million settlement is the largest ever in a misappropriation case. Although the settlement is still awaiting judge approval, given Summers’ comments, the plaintiffs are likely to accept it. Here’s how to determine if you’re eligible for your share of the settlement.
Who is eligible for payment under the Android dispute settlement?
Google’s settlement covers a fairly broad range of users: anyone who used “Android-based mobile devices” since November 12, 2017. However, there appear to be several caveats. Specifically, since the class action lawsuit concerns cellular data, it is unlikely to extend to users of Wi-Fi-only devices, such as many Android tablets.
How much can you get with an Android deal?
The maximum class action settlement is $100 per participant, although it is unclear whether all users will be able to receive this amount. Reuters reports that lawyers representing class action participants may seek up to 30% of the settlement amount as fees, and while there are no official figures on the number of Android users in the US, third-party estimates indicate that they represent approximately 40% of the entire mobile market. Therefore, $135 million could be distributed among all eligible class action participants.
When payments can be made
The trial was initially scheduled for August 5, although the judge may approve the settlement earlier. Approval of a class action settlement can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to ensure the agreement is fair to all class members and eliminates any evidence of collusion.
How will you know when a payment has been sent?
The methods for contacting class action participants eligible for compensation vary depending on the case. In some cases , payment is made automatically . However, in many cases, a website is created where users must submit a claim, and paper letters and emails with PINs and IDs are sent to ensure as many class action participants as possible are aware of their right to compensation. The company offering compensation is often involved in sending out these notifications, so if you believe you are affected, keep an eye out for emails or paper letters from Google, as well as the launch of a website dedicated to the settlement.
If you believe you’re eligible but haven’t received any notifications, we’ll usually also provide an email address you can use to contact us. This email address will typically be case-specific, and while it hasn’t yet been disclosed, it might be worth contacting Google support if you’re concerned about missing any deadlines.
Other current agreements with Google you may be eligible for.
The settlement of the data collection lawsuit against Google isn’t the only major class action settlement in recent times. The company also recently agreed to pay $68 million in a separate settlement involving Google Assistant, following allegations of eavesdropping on users without their consent. Google also denied any wrongdoing in that case.
If approved, the settlement will apply to anyone who owned at least one device with Google Assistant preinstalled, released back in 2016. Those who purchased the device will receive between $18 and $56, while those who lived in a household where the device was located could receive between $2 and $10. The payment process will likely be similar to that used in the Android data collection case.