The official settlement website for the Taylor v. Google LLC class-action lawsuit is now live, allowing eligible Android users in the United States to begin the process of claiming their share of a $135 million settlement.
The lawsuit alleged that Google’s Android devices engaged in the unauthorized transfer of user data. Specifically, plaintiffs argued that Google devices passively transmitted cellular data to the company even when the devices were idle and without explicit user consent. While Google has not admitted to any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to this massive payout to resolve the litigation.
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How the Settlement Works
The settlement aims to compensate approximately 100 million Android users in the U.S. While the exact individual payout amount has not yet been determined, the distribution will follow these guidelines:
- Individual Cap: Each eligible member can receive a maximum of $100.
- Distribution Method: After covering administrative costs, taxes, and attorney fees, the remaining funds will be distributed equally among all qualifying members.
- Residual Funds: If any money remains after all payments are processed, it will either be redistributed to members or donated to a court-approved organization.
Note: If you do nothing, you may still be entitled to a payment, but you must select a preferred payment method on the official website to ensure you actually receive it.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a member of this settlement class, you must meet all four of the following criteria:
- Residency: You must be an individual living in the United States.
- Device Usage: You must have used an Android mobile device with a cellular data plan.
- Timeline: Your device usage must have occurred between November 12, 2017, and the date the settlement receives final approval.
- Exclusion: You cannot be a member of the Csupo v. Google LLC settlement (a separate, similar case specifically for California residents).
Changes to Google’s Data Practices
Beyond the monetary payout, this settlement mandates significant changes to how Google handles data transparency and user control. This is a critical development in the broader trend of “passive data collection,” where devices gather information in the background without active user engagement.
Moving forward, Google will implement the following:
- Updated Terms of Service: Google Play terms will be updated to explicitly state that certain data transfers occur passively, even when the device is not in use, and that cellular data may be used when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
- Enhanced Consent: Users will be required to provide explicit consent for these processes during device setup.
- Improved Controls: Google has committed to fully halting data collection when a user toggles the “allow background data usage” option to “off.”
Key Deadlines and Next Steps
The legal process is still ongoing, and several important dates are on the horizon:
- May 29: The deadline to exclude yourself from the settlement or to write to the court to object to the terms.
- June 23: The Final Approval Hearing. During this hearing, the court will decide if the settlement is fair and address any objections.
Users are encouraged to visit the official settlement website to select their payment method and stay updated on any changes to the hearing schedule.
Summary: Eligible Android users in the U.S. can now claim a share of a $135 million settlement regarding unauthorized data transfers, while Google agrees to implement stricter transparency and user controls regarding background data usage.
