Google’s Data Collection Practices Deemed Illegal, Faces $314.6M Penalty

Google’s data collection practices have been deemed illegal by a California jury, leading to a $314.6 million penalty. The company was found liable for misusing customer cellphone data by transferring it from idle Android devices without permission, imposing “mandatory and unavoidable burdens” on users for Google’s benefit. This decision sets a precedent for how tech companies handle user data.
The class action, filed in 2019, encompassed approximately 14 million California residents. Plaintiffs argued that Google collected information from idle Android phones for company uses, such as targeted advertising, which consumed users’ cellular data at their expense. This alleged illegal practice was central to the litigation.
Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, intends to appeal the verdict. Spokesperson Jose Castaneda asserted that the decision “misunderstand services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices.” Google’s appeal will likely challenge the jury’s interpretation of data transfer necessity.
Glen Summers, the plaintiffs’ attorney, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating it “forcefully vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Google’s misconduct.” The case serves as a powerful reminder of the legal consequences of unauthorized data collection. Another similar lawsuit covering Android users in the other 49 states is scheduled for trial in April 2026.