Google’s Data Practices Cost Them $314.6M in California Ruling

Google’s data practices have cost them $314.6 million, following a California jury’s ruling that the company misused customer cellphone data. The verdict found Google liable for making data transfers without permission while devices were idle, directly benefiting the company at users’ expense. This decision highlights the financial repercussions of improper data handling.
The class action, filed in 2019, encompassed approximately 14 million California residents. The plaintiffs argued that Google collected data from inactive Android phones for its own corporate needs, such as targeted advertising, thereby consuming users’ valuable cellular data. The lawsuit sought to reclaim these costs and assert user rights.
Google has expressed its intent to appeal the ruling. Spokesperson Jose Castaneda stated that the verdict “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.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Glen Summers lauded the verdict, calling it a “forceful vindication of the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Google’s misconduct.” The ruling sends a strong message to technology companies regarding data handling. Another class-action lawsuit covering Android users in the other 49 states is scheduled for trial in April 2026.