Google faces a push for an additional $2.36 billion in a privacy lawsuit after a $425 million verdict, as 98 million users seek disgorgement of profits from unlawful data collection practices despite users disabling tracking features.
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Lawsuit targets Google’s Web & App Activity setting for misleading users on data privacy.
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Plaintiffs argue the initial $425 million award is insufficient to address ongoing harms from data mishandling.
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Jury found Google’s practices violated privacy laws, affecting 98 million users and 174 million devices over eight years, per court documents.
Google privacy lawsuit escalates: Users demand $2.36B more after $425M verdict for secret data tracking. Learn how this impacts your privacy and what Google is doing next. Stay informed on tech accountability.
What is the Google privacy lawsuit seeking beyond the initial verdict?
Google privacy lawsuit plaintiffs are pursuing $2.36 billion in additional compensation from Google following a $425 million jury verdict for unlawful data collection. This amount represents a conservative estimate of profits Google earned by secretly tracking app activity from users who had disabled the Web & App Activity feature. The filing emphasizes that Google’s ongoing practices continue to harm users without consent, as determined by the jury.
How has Google responded to the privacy lawsuit demands?
Google has firmly denied any wrongdoing in the Google privacy lawsuit and plans to appeal the $425 million verdict. In court filings, the company argued that its data collection was anonymized and compliant with user agreements and privacy policies. A Google spokesperson highlighted that users have meaningful control over their data through settings, countering claims of misrepresentation. According to U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg’s records, Google also seeks to decertify the class action, citing individualized factors like app usage and privacy expectations that vary per user.
The lawsuit, initiated in 2020, alleges violations of federal and state privacy laws over an eight-year period. Plaintiffs contended that Google accessed personal identifiers and app patterns from mobile devices even after opt-outs. Expert analyses from privacy advocates, such as those referenced in filings from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), underscore the deceptive nature of these practices, noting that anonymization does not fully mitigate consent issues. The jury upheld two of three claims, affirming breaches in user consent and privacy assurances, though the awarded damages fell short of the $31 billion initially sought.
Financial implications are significant; if granted, this disgorgement could rank among the largest U.S. privacy penalties, per legal precedents from cases like those against Facebook by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Google’s market position remains strong, but repeated scrutiny from regulators like the FTC highlights broader industry accountability needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the Google privacy lawsuit in the first place?
The Google privacy lawsuit stemmed from claims that Google collected app activity data from users who disabled Web & App Activity tracking, violating consent and privacy laws. Filed in 2020, it covers 98 million U.S. users and 174 million devices, focusing on misleading disclosures that led to unauthorized data harvesting over eight years.
Will the additional $2.36 billion demand affect everyday Google users?
Yes, the Google privacy lawsuit could influence how Google handles user data moving forward, potentially leading to clearer privacy controls and disclosures. While individual payouts depend on class certification, it underscores the importance of reviewing your account settings to manage data collection effectively, ensuring your information stays protected.
Key Takeaways
- Escalating Damages: The lawsuit now seeks $2.36 billion on top of $425 million, targeting profits from alleged unlawful tracking.
- Jury Findings: Violations confirmed on consent and assurances, but Google disputes and plans appeals based on anonymization claims.
- User Action: Review privacy settings in Google accounts to opt out of data collection and stay informed on legal developments.
Conclusion
The Google privacy lawsuit highlights critical issues in data handling, with plaintiffs pushing for $2.36 billion to address harms from the Web & App Activity feature’s misleading practices. As Google appeals and resists class certification, this case reinforces the need for transparent privacy measures across tech giants. Users should monitor updates and advocate for stronger protections, paving the way for a more accountable digital future.
