Tech
Google Faces $425M Fine Amid Findings of Privacy Breach in User Tracking
Google Faces $425M Fine Amid Findings of Privacy Breach in User Tracking
Tech
What’s Happening?
A U.S. federal jury has ordered Google, part of Alphabet Inc., to pay $425 million in a class-action privacy lawsuit.
The case alleges that even after millions of users turned off the Web & App Activity tracking feature, Google continued collecting and storing their mobile data via apps like Uber, Venmo, and Instagram.
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, represents about 98 million users and 174 million devices. The jury found Google liable on two of three privacy violation claims but ruled the company had not acted with malice meaning no punitive damages.
Google plans to appeal, arguing the verdict misunderstands how its privacy settings operate.
Why is it Important?
This ruling marks a significant moment in digital privacy law. It underscores that tech giants may face steep penalties even when violations occur without malicious intent.
With privacy concerns rising globally, this verdict could influence how companies design and communicate data consent tools not just in the U.S. but around the world.
The case also adds to Google’s growing legal challenges, following prior settlements over data misuse and "Incognito" tracking.
Landmark tech ruling: Google must pay $425M over privacy violations tied to app data collection despite opt-outs. Expect appeals.