Have you used an Android phone with a cell service plan in the last nine years? You could receive up to $100.
Anna Gragert Senior Editor, Health and Home
Anna Gragert (she/hers) was previously lifestyle editor at HelloGiggles, associate editor at So Yummy, and senior lifestyle editor at Hunker. Over the past 12 years, Anna has also written for the LA Times, Elle, Bust Magazine, Dazed, Apartment Therapy, Well+Good and more. At CNET, she is a senior editor on the Healthy Home team and her coverage includes health, wellness tech, meal kits, and home and kitchen tech, with a focus on technology that aims to help us live our healthiest, happiest lives.
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For years, Google has been accused of collecting data on Android phones without users’ consent. Following a California lawsuit settled for $314 million last year, a new settlement could mean compensation for an additional 100 million people.
A class action lawsuit alleging that “Google caused Android mobile devices to transfer various information to Google without users’ permission, thereby consuming users’ cellular data” is nearing completion. Both parties in Taylor v. Google LLC (PDF) have agreed to a settlement and have begun to resolve it.
Without admitting fault, Google agreed to a preliminary settlement in January, commit to paying $135 million for damages. The settlement website is now live.
The final approval hearing won’t take place until June 23, when the court will hear objections and determine whether Google’s settlement is fair. After that, the court will decide whether to approve the $135 million settlement.
In the meantime, if you are eligible and want to get paid as part of the settlement, you can select your preferred payment method on the official website. There you will find information on how to speak at the hearing on June 23 and how to exclude yourself or write to the court to object before May 29.
As part of the settlement, Google will update its Google Play Terms of Service to clarify that some data transfers happen passively even when you’re not using your Android device, and that cellular data can be used when not connected to Wi-Fi. This can’t always be turned off, but users will be asked to consent when setting up their device.
Google will also stop collecting data altogether when its “Allow background data use” option is turned off.
Who can participate in Google’s data policy?
In order to join the Taylor v. Google LLC settlement, you must meet four conditions:
- Be a living, individual human being in the United States.
- Have used an Android mobile device with a cellular data plan.
- Have used the above device at any time between November 12, 2017 and the date the settlement receives final approval.
- You are not a class member in the Csupo v. Google LLC lawsuit, which is similar but specifically aimed at California residents.
To set up your payment information on the official settlement website, you will need a notification ID and confirmation code, which the settlement administrators have mailed or emailed to eligible claimants.
The final approval hearing will take place on June 23, so you can add your payment method until then. The date and time of the hearing may change and any updates will be posted on the settlement website.
To set up your payment method, you will need a notification ID and confirmation code from a payment notification email or letter.
Screenshot by Peter Butler/CNETIf you choose to do nothing and are eligible, you will still receive a settlement payment, but not selecting a payment method may increase your risk of not getting paid.
Even if you haven’t received a notification letter or email, you may still be eligible for payment from Google. To find out, you can call the free information number at 1-844-655-4255 or email info@FederalCellularClassAction.com. You may also send a letter requesting more information to: Federal Cellular Class Action, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
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How much could I get paid by Google?
It is currently unclear exactly how much each member of the settlement class will receive, but the maximum is $100. Payments will be distributed after final court approval and resolution of any appeal.
Once all administrative, tax and legal fees have been paid, the settlement administrator will attempt to pay each member an equal amount. If there are funds remaining after payments have been sent, and it is economically feasible, they will be redistributed to members who have already been successfully paid. If this is not economically feasible, the funds will go to an organization approved by the court.
Senior Editor, Health and Home
Anna Gragert (she/hers) was previously lifestyle editor at HelloGiggles, associate editor at So Yummy, and senior lifestyle editor at Hunker. Over the past 12 years, Anna has also written for the LA Times, Elle, Bust Magazine, Dazed, Apartment Therapy, Well+Good and more. At CNET, she is a senior editor on the Healthy Home team and her coverage includes health, wellness tech, meal kits, and home and kitchen tech, with a focus on technology that aims to help us live our healthiest, happiest lives. See full bio