Android phone owners across the United States may soon be eligible to receive a portion of a $135 million settlement from Google over allegations of unauthorized data collection through cellular networks. The class-action lawsuit, Joseph Taylor v. Google, claims that starting in 2017 the company programmed Android devices to transmit user information without consent, even when location tracking was disabled or apps were closed.
The suit alleges that Google effectively forced users to subsidize its surveillance by using the cellular data that customers had purchased themselves. No prior case involving conversion, the legal term for taking property with intent to deprive the owner, has settled for such a large amount, according to court documents.
Google has denied any wrongdoing, and the court has not ruled on whether laws were violated. Still, the company agreed to the settlement, which received preliminary court approval. "We are pleased to resolve this case, which mischaracterized standard industry practices that keep Android safe. We're providing additional disclosures to give people more information about how our services work," said Google spokesperson José Castañeda.
The official settlement website is now live, though final payments depend on court approval at a hearing scheduled for June 23. That meeting will also address attorneys' fees and the distribution plan for eligible class members. Any schedule changes will appear on the settlement site.
Class members are automatically included unless they opt out by May 29 to preserve the right to sue separately. Those who wish to receive payment must select a preferred method on the website by the June 23 deadline. Payments are capped at $100 per person after attorneys' fees are deducted, with any remaining funds possibly distributed in a second round.
To qualify, individuals must meet all criteria outlined in the settlement, including owning an affected Android device in the US during the relevant period. The exact qualifications are detailed on the official site, and affected users are automatically part of the class unless they choose to opt out.
The agreement will also require Google to update its terms of service. The company must obtain more explicit consent from new Android users, add a toggle for certain data collection, and provide clearer disclosures about its practices.
This is not the only recent settlement involving Google's data practices. The company separately agreed to a $68 million preliminary payout in a case alleging that Google Assistant devices listened without activation and used the information for ad targeting. In that matter, payments will be issued automatically without requiring a claim form.
The current case could influence broader discussions around data privacy and how tech companies handle user information on mobile devices. It highlights ongoing scrutiny of background data transmission on Android systems that many consumers may not have realized was occurring.
Officials have not confirmed the final per-person amounts, which will depend on the number of valid claims and court decisions on fees. Those eligible are encouraged to visit the settlement website promptly to enter payment details and avoid missing the deadlines.
Background on the litigation shows it began after users noticed unexpected data usage tied to Google's services. The complaint argues there was no effective way to stop the collection short of turning off cellular service entirely.
Legal observers note that conversion claims in tech cases remain uncommon, making this settlement notable for its size and the legal theory involved. Google maintains the practices were standard for maintaining device security and functionality.
Residents in Appleton and surrounding areas who own Android phones should check their eligibility soon, as the June 23 hearing approaches. Updates will continue to be posted on the official settlement portal as the process moves forward.