California jury orders Google to pay $314 million for data misuse

In 2023, a class action lawsuit against Google culminated in a significant verdict from a California jury, who ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The lawsuit originated from claims brought against the tech giant in 2019, alleging that Google was improperly using cellular data from Android devices. The plaintiffs argued that the company programmed Android phones to send data to its servers even when users were not connected to WiFi, effectively taking advantage of consumers by using their paid cellular data without proper consent or knowledge. This practice not only violated user privacy but also contributed to Google's business strategies of enhanced advertising and mapping capabilities. After lengthy deliberations, the jury awarded $314 million to the affected Android users, signaling a major legal setback for Google regarding its data privacy practices. Marc Wallenstein, the attorney representing the consumers, expressed gratitude towards the jury for their verdict, deeming it a reflection of Google's misconduct. In contrast, Google contested the verdict and announced plans to appeal, stating that those data transfers are crucial for the devices' performance and that users had consented to them through various agreements and settings. This case has broader implications beyond California, as a related federal lawsuit is expected to go to trial in early 2026, further targeting Android users across the nation. As public concerns about the handling of personal information by technology companies continue to escalate, this particular ruling emphasizes the need for accountability and could set a precedent for future legal actions against similar practices in the tech industry.