A US jury has ruled that Google must pay $425 million for violating the privacy of tens of millions of users who opted out of a feature tracking app use.
The verdict was handed down after a group of Google users accused the tech giant of collecting data from third-party apps even when they changed their account settings to prevent the practice.
The lawsuit, which was filed in July 2020, covered approximately 98 million Google users who alleged that Google collected and sold their mobile app activity data in breach of privacy assurances contained in its Web & App Activity settings.
Google argued that the collected data was “nonpersonal” and “pseudonymous” and stored in “segregated, secured, and encrypted locations”.
However, Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said the decision misunderstood how its products work and that the company plans to appeal.
“Our privacy tools give people control over their data, and when they turn off personalization, we honor that choice,” Castaneda said in a statement.
This is not the first time Google has faced a privacy-related lawsuit. In May, the company agreed to pay $1.375 billion to the state of Texas over claims it had collected residents’ face geometry and voiceprints without proper consent and tracked users’ locations even when they opted out of the feature.
The case highlights the ongoing concerns about tech giants and their handling of user data.
As technology continues to evolve, companies like Google must navigate the fine line between providing personalized services and respecting user privacy.
In a broader context, this case is part of a larger conversation about data privacy and the role of tech companies in protecting user information.
With the increasing reliance on digital services, users are becoming more aware of the importance of data privacy and are demanding greater transparency and control over their personal data.
Key Issues Surrounding Google’s Privacy Breach
- Data Collection: Google collected and sold users’ mobile app activity data despite their opting out of the feature.
- Privacy Assurances: Google’s Web & App Activity settings were allegedly breached, violating users’ trust.
- User Impact: Approximately 98 million Google users were affected by the alleged data collection practices.
- Google’s Response: The company plans to appeal the decision, stating that its privacy tools give users control over their data.
