Google is on the hook for a hefty payout to Android users in California. A jury decided Google illegally transferred user data without permission, leading to a $314.6 million judgment.
Data Transfer Dispute
The lawsuit, filed in 2019, claimed Google used cellular data from idle Android phones to gather information for targeted advertising. The jury agreed this violated California’s privacy laws. The payout will only go to California residents.
Google’s Response and Future Legal Battles
Google maintains the data transfers were legal and within their terms of service, arguing that no users were harmed. They plan to appeal the decision. A spokesperson stated the verdict misunderstands essential services for Android security and performance. A separate lawsuit representing users outside California is also pending, with a trial expected in the first half of next year.