If you’re an Android user or you’ve had an Android phone over the past nine years or so, listen up: Google just agreed to a $135 million lawsuit that you’re likely a class member of. While the final payout is still up in the air, you could be entitled to up to $100.
What is the lawsuit about?
The lawsuit, Taylor V. Google LLC, alleges that Google was complicit in allowing Android devices to send a host of user data to Google without the permission of the users. Not only does the suit highlight the privacy implications, it also hammers Google for using up the users’ cellular data. According to the details of the lawsuit, Google denies any wrongdoing in this case, but has agreed to settle for $135 million. As part of that settlement, Google will have to update the Play Store Terms of Service, as well as Android’s setup screens, to disclose the data collection and offer users a choice whether or not to opt into it. The company will also disable a related setting on Android devices, though it’s not clear what that setting exactly is.
Like many of these class action lawsuits, the breadth of impacted users is quite large here. You are a class member if you reside in the United States and used an Android mobile device with a cellular plan any time from Nov. 12, 2017 to the date the settlement receives final approval. The only other stipulation is you cannot be a class member in Csupo v. Google LLC, which is a similar suit concerning Android users who reside in California.
The lawsuit estimates that there will be approximately 100 million class members here. You might think that’d entitle everyone to $135, but the terms of the settlement cap the payouts to $100 maximum. While that may be the final number, the settlement will first need to pay administrative costs, taxes, lawyer fees, and other expenses, so it could be lower depending on what’s left.
What do you think so far?
How can I get paid in the Google lawsuit?
If you are indeed a class member in this case, you should have received a notice via email or mail. This message will contain both a Notice ID as well as a Confirmation Code. You’ll need these to confirm your payment method here. This is an important step: While class members are automatically enrolled in the case, if you don’t fill out the payment election form, you might not get paid. If you never received a notice, but believe you are a class member, you can call 1-844-655-4255, send an email to [email protected], or send a letter to the following address:
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Federal Cellular Class Action
c/o Settlement Administrator
1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210
Philadelphia, PA 19103
You do have the right to exclude yourself from this lawsuit instead. While you will forfeit the money, you will retain your right to sue Google over this issue. If you don’t formally exclude yourself by May 29, you waive that right—hence the payout.
