Jury: Google Misused Android Data, Must Pay $314.6 Million

A California jury has concluded that Google misused customer cellphone data and must pay more than $314.6 million to Android smartphone users in the state. The verdict establishes Google’s liability for sending and receiving information from idle devices without permission, a practice that unjustly burdened users for the company’s gain. This ruling highlights the importance of user consent.
The class action, filed in 2019, encompassed approximately 14 million California residents. Plaintiffs argued that Google collected data from dormant Android phones for corporate purposes, including targeted advertising, resulting in users incurring cellular data costs without their explicit agreement. This alleged exploitation was central to the legal challenge.
Google intends to appeal the decision. Spokesperson Jose Castaneda asserted that the verdict “misunderstand services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices.” Google’s appeal will likely contend that these data transfers are essential for the operation and security of Android devices.
Glen Summers, the plaintiffs’ attorney, expressed strong satisfaction with the outcome, stating it “forcefully vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Google’s misconduct.” The case serves as a warning to tech companies regarding transparency in data handling. Another related lawsuit covering Android users in the remaining 49 states is slated for trial in federal court in April 2026.