SAN FRANCISCO, January 28, 2026, 09:24 (PST)
- Google has agreed to a $135 million settlement over allegations that Android collected users’ cellular data without their consent
- The deal would also mandate fresh consent and tighter controls for specific data transfers during Android setup
- The settlement requires a judge’s approval, with user payouts capped at $100 each
Google has agreed to a $135 million settlement in a class action lawsuit brought by smartphone users who claimed the company programmed Android to gather their cellular data without consent, according to a court filing. The agreement was submitted Tuesday in federal court in San Jose, California, and awaits judicial approval. (Reuters)
This case hits home since it involves something users actually pay for — cellular data — and treats the supposed data draining as a property issue, not just a privacy complaint. It comes at a time when tech companies are under increasing legal scrutiny over the way their software gathers and utilizes data behind the scenes.
Users reported that Google gathered cellular data despite closing its apps, turning off location sharing, or locking their screens. They claimed this information fueled Google’s product development and targeted ads.
The plaintiffs based their case on “conversion,” a legal concept involving the wrongful appropriation of someone else’s property. Google, however, denied any misconduct while agreeing to the settlement.
The settlement would apply to Android device users dating back to Nov. 12, 2017. A trial was set for Aug. 5, per the filing.
Under the agreement, Google agrees not to transfer data without first getting consent from Android users during phone setup. It will also add a toggle that makes it simpler to block these transfers. Additionally, Google will include details about the transfers in the Google Play terms of service.
According to Bloomberg Law, a separate court filing requests preliminary approval, allowing class members to claim a pro-rata portion of the net settlement fund once fees, expenses, and administrative costs are deducted. U.S. Magistrate Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi is set to oversee the approval process. (Bloomberg Law)
Users should note that nothing is set in stone until the judge approves the deal. The payout might drop, depending on how many claims come in and the legal fees awarded. According to Reuters, plaintiffs’ lawyers could request up to $39.8 million, which would be 29.5% of the settlement fund.
Glen Summers, representing the plaintiffs, stated in a court filing that the $135 million settlement marks the “largest ever in a conversion case,” with individual payments limited to $100 per class member. Google did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
The case is titled Attila Csupo et al. v. Google LLC, per the official site. (Cellulardataclassaction)
