Google to pay $314M over hidden data collection

A jury in San Jose has ordered Google to pay $314 million for unlawfully collecting Android users' data, Kursiv media reported.

The plaintiffs claimed that Google used personal data from Android devices without permission to optimize ads and enhance mapping services.

The smartphones reportedly transmitted data even when not connected to Wi-Fi, instead using mobile data and consuming users' paid internet traffic. Android users demanded compensation for the data use and traffic charges.

Google’s legal team called the claims unfounded and said they plan to appeal the decision. According to them, data transfers are necessary for the safe and stable operation of services. The company also noted that the amount of data used is less than what's required to send a single photo.

A similar case is expected to be reviewed by a U.S. federal court in 2026. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!