Google agreed to a $135 million settlement. The payment resolves a class-action lawsuit brought by smartphone users.
The suit alleged Google programmed the Android operating system to collect cellular data without user permission. The lawsuit began in November 2020. Plaintiffs claimed data collection occurred even when apps were closed or location sharing was disabled.
The proposed settlement requires court approval. Google will provide clearer disclosures in its Google Play terms of service.
The company will also make it easier for users to opt out of data transfers. Furthermore, Google will not transfer data without user consent during phone setup.
Google denied any wrongdoing. A company spokesperson stated they were pleased to resolve the case. They claimed the suit mischaracterized standard industry practices for keeping Android secure. The plaintiffs' lawyer noted the payout is believed to be the largest ever for a conversion case.