Android users could get money under $135 million Google settlement. Here’s how.
Google has reached a $135 million class-action settlement over allegations that its Android operating system caused mobile devices to send data without users’ permission. This could potentially benefit millions of Android users who connected to the internet over a cellular network from Nov. 12, 2017, to the present.
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, claimed that Google’s Android platform was transferring data without device owners’ knowledge, even when devices were idle or not in use. This unauthorized data transmission was said to consume users’ cellular data, with the lawsuit alleging that Google was essentially forcing users to subsidize its surveillance efforts.
Despite denying the allegations, Google has agreed to the settlement. All qualifying Android users who do not opt out of the settlement will receive a payment. Users will receive a personalized notice either by mail or email with a notice ID and confirmation code. To claim their payment, users must visit the settlement website and enter their preferred method of payment along with the provided notice ID and confirmation code.
The exact amount that each user will receive is unknown at this time, as it will depend on the total number of users who file claims. The $135 million settlement will also be reduced by attorneys’ fees, costs, taxes, and other expenses. With approximately 100 million users eligible for payments, the individual amounts could be relatively small.
For users who do not take any action, the settlement administrator will still attempt to pay them if they qualify. However, there is a risk of not receiving a payment if the payment information is not provided. It is advisable for eligible Android users to claim their payment to ensure they receive their share of the settlement.
In conclusion, this class-action settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of data privacy and user consent in the digital age. By holding companies accountable for unauthorized data practices, users can feel more secure in their online interactions.
