Google Fined $314 Million For Misusing Android Users' Phone Data
A state court jury in San Jose issued the verdict Tuesday following a trial over a class-action lawsuit, according to lawyers for consumers and a spokesperson for the company.
Consumers alleged that the Alphabet Inc. unit programmed Android phones to transfer data to Google servers while users were not connected to a WiFi network, stealing cellular data that the customers were paying for.
The company used this information "to further its own corporate interests," including to build more targeted digital advertising and to expand its mapping capability, according to the suit.
This case is one of several recent legal challenges to Google's data privacy practices.
A spokesperson for Google said the company strongly disagrees with the verdict and intends to appeal.
"This ruling is a setback for users, as it misunderstands services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices," said Google's José Castaneda.
Castaneda said the transfers discussed in the case are necessary to maintain the performance of billions of Android devices around the world, and that they take up less cellular data than sending a single photo.
He added that Android users consent to the transfers through multiple terms of use agreements and device setting options.
The class-action suit was filed in 2019 in Santa Clara Superior Court on behalf of California residents. A parallel federal case is pending for nationwide Android users, with a trial date set for early 2026.
"We are incredibly grateful for the jury's verdict, which forcefully vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Google's misconduct," said Marc Wallenstein, a lawyer for the consumers.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
16 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 5G vs Pixel 9 Pro XL 5G: Expected upgrades, features, price, and more
Google is hosting the 'Made by Google' event on August 20 to introduce the new generation of Pixel phones. This year's Pixel 10 series is anticipated to have four models, as last years, including the Pixel 10 Pro XL 5G model that will likely have a bigger screen, battery, and upgraded camera setup. As we wait for the official launch, several rumours about the Pixel 10 series have been circulating on the internet, giving us a glimpse into what Google may unveil. If you are someone who is eyeing the new Pixel 10 Pro XL 5G model, then know what upgrades are expected in comparison to last year's Pixel 9 Pro XL 5G model, which is still an impressive Android phone. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 5G is expected to get upgraded performance and a bigger battery, in comparison to its predecessor.(Shaurya Sharma/HT Tech) Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 5G vs Pixel 9 Pro XL 5G: Design and display Last year, Google made a significant design change with the Pixel 9 series, bringing a new camera module. Now, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is expected to retain a similar design profile as the Pixel 9 Pro XL model, which will include an aluminium body, a flat screen and frame with curved edges. The dimensions are also expected to remain the same, but the new-gen is expected to be heavier, with 232 grams, due to the bigger battery. Google is also adding new colours, Moonstone and Jade. In terms of display, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is expected to feature a similar display to its predecessor, with a 6.8-inch Super Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone could also share a similar peak brightness of up to 3000nits. However, the new generation is expected to get a faster and more secure version of the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 5G vs Pixel 9 Pro XL 5G: Camera The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 5G and Pixel 9 Pro XL 5G are also likely to share the same camera features. With a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. However, there are minor upgrades we can expect, such as new Macro Focus on ultrawide camera, and up to 100x digital zoom with the telephoto lens. Apart from these changes, Google can bring some upgrades on the software front to enhance the camera performance on the Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 5G vs Pixel 9 Pro XL 5G: Performance and battery The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 5G is expected to be powered by a new Tensor G5 chipset, likely to be made by TSMC. The smartphone could also offer up to 16GB of RAM with a base storage variant of 256GB. Therefore, we can expect some major performance improvements. Whereas, the Pixel 9 Pro XL 5G is powered by the Tensor G4 chip paired with up to 16GB RAM and a base storage variant of 128GB. In terms of lasting performance, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is expected to be backed by a 5200mAh battery that may support 39W fast charging and 23W Qi2 wireless charging. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is backed by a 5060mAh battery that supports 37W fast charging and 23W wireless charging. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL 5G vs Pixel 9 Pro XL 5G: Price As per leaked US and Canadian prices for the Pixel 10 series, we expect no major price hikes this year. However, the Pixel 9 Pro XL came with a 128GB base variant, whereas the Pixel 10 Pro XL is expected to have 256GB as a base variant. Therefore, we expect a price difference due to a change in storage options.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Google Reverses Course: Most goo.gl Short Links to Stay Active
In a notable policy shift, Google has reversed its earlier decision to disable all shortened URLs by August 25, 2025. The company confirmed on Friday that most of these links will continue to function as usual, a significant change from its previous course of action announced in July 2024. Initially, Google had announced plans to phase out the service altogether, citing dwindling usage. "More than 99 percent of the URLs had no activity in the last month," the tech giant said at the time. This announcement sparked concern among users who relied on links embedded in countless blogs, documents, social media posts, and videos over the years. However, following extensive feedback, Google now says it will only deactivate a limited subset of links — specifically those that had already been flagged for deactivation. ' URLS that already show a message saying that they will be deactivated in August will still stop working,' the company clarified. These specific links were targeted because they "showed no activity in late 2024," and users were notified about the upcoming deactivation nearly nine months ago. In contrast, any URL not accompanied by such a deactivation notice will remain operational. 'All other links will be preserved and will continue to function as normal,' Google stated in its Friday update. The short link service was officially discontinued in 2019, preventing users from creating new links through the platform. But despite that, existing links remained widely in use, often as integral parts of marketing materials, online publications, academic papers, and legacy content. Google acknowledged this in its revised announcement: 'We understand these links are embedded in countless documents, videos, posts and more, and we appreciate the input received.' Jay Peters, the news editor at The Verge covering this update, noted the importance of Google's reversal for users who continue to depend on these legacy URLs. As platforms evolve, decisions that affect older infrastructure can have far-reaching implications — especially when those tools were once foundational to how content was shared online. This update provides a measure of relief to users and organizations that would have otherwise faced broken links and disrupted user experiences. Google's move reflects an effort to balance modernization with the realities of long-standing digital footprints.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Dominance of Amazon and Microsoft in cloud harming competition, UK says
The dominant position of Amazon and Microsoft in cloud computing is harming competition, with their impact exacerbated by technical and commercial barriers to switching, an inquiry group from Britain's antitrust regulator said. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) group said on Thursday the regulator should investigate whether to designate the two with strategic market status (SMS) in cloud services, which would give it new powers to intervene. It noted, however, that the CMA has said it will not consider new SMS investigations, which are conducted by its Digital Markets Unit (DMU), until early next year. Microsoft was singled out in its final report for licensing practices that the panel said adversely impacted Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google. The group said in January that Microsoft was using its dominance in enterprise software, such as Windows Server and Microsoft 365, to limit competition by charging licensing fees when its services were used on rival platforms. Microsoft and AWS have 30-40% market shares in cloud services such as processing, storage and networking, it said. Google is the third main provider, but it has a smaller share of 5-10%. "Measures aimed at Microsoft and AWS would address market-wide concerns," the CMA group said. The cloud computing industry has been scrutinised by regulators on both sides of the Atlantic. In Europe, Microsoft clinched a 20-million-euro deal last year to settle a complaint about its licensing practices, averting an antitrust investigation and potential hefty fine. The company said the CMA group's report "misses the mark again, ignoring that the cloud market has never been so dynamic and competitive, with record investment, and rapid, AI-driven changes". "Its recommendations fail to cover Google, one of the fastest-growing cloud market participants," a spokesperson said. Amazon said "clear evidence of robust competition" had been disregarded. "The action proposed by the Inquiry Group is unwarranted and undermines the substantial investment and innovation that have already benefited hundreds of thousands of UK businesses," a spokesperson said. But it noted the group had recognised that action needed to be taken over Microsoft's licensing practices. Google said the conclusive finding that restrictive licensing harmed customers and competition was a "watershed moment". "Swift action from the DMU is essential to ensure British businesses pay a fair price and to unleash choice, innovation and economic growth in the UK," said Chris Lindsay, Google Cloud's vice president for customer engineering EMEA. The Open Cloud Coalition and the Coalition for Fair Software Licensing said the CMA should take action quickly. "Given the alarming anticompetitive behaviour it has identified, the current plan to start this process in early 2026 is nowhere near sufficient," said Nicky Stewart, senior advisor to the Open Cloud Coalition.
