Google is currently facing $135M settlement as millions of Android Users may qualify for fayout over data usage claims.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that millions of users of Android devices could be eligible for compensation under a $135 million class-action settlement involving Google, following allegations that its mobile operating system transmitted data without user consent.
According to details on the settlement website, individuals who used Android devices on cellular networks between November 12, 2017, and the present may qualify for payment.
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The lawsuit, filed in 2020, accused Google of programming Android devices to send data back to its servers even when phones were idle, apps were closed, or devices were not actively in use—resulting in unintended consumption of users’ mobile data.
Plaintiffs alleged that the company effectively shifted the cost of its data collection practices onto users by using their purchased cellular data without clear authorization.
Google has denied the allegations but agreed to the settlement to resolve the dispute.
Under the terms of the agreement, eligible users who do not opt out will automatically be considered for payment. Many are expected to receive notifications via email or mail containing a notice ID and confirmation code, which can be used to select a preferred payment method on the settlement portal.
However, the exact payout per user remains uncertain and will depend on the number of valid claims submitted. With an estimated 100 million users potentially eligible, individual payments may be relatively small after deductions for legal fees, administrative costs, and taxes.
The settlement administrator noted that attempts will be made to issue payments even to users who do not submit their details, though failure to provide payment preferences may reduce the chances of successfully receiving funds.
