NEED TO KNOW
A $135 million class action settlement involves claims that Google collected Android users’ data without permission, even when devices were inactive, which Google has denied
Eligible users must select a payment method online or risk not receiving a payout
A final approval hearing is set for June 23, and payout amounts remain unknown
Android users may be eligible for a payment from Google under a $135 million class action settlement.
The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed in 2020 alleging that Google’s Android operating system caused Android mobile devices to transfer information to Google without users’ permission.
It is alleged that certain transfers occurred in the background without notifying the user, even when their device was not in use. Google has denied any wrongdoing.
A stock photo of an Android logo displayed on a smartphone
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Both sides have agreed to reach a settlement “to avoid the costs and uncertainty of a trial,” for people who have used an Android mobile device to access the internet through cellular networks from Nov. 12, 2017, to the present, per the settlement website.
“The proposed Settlement does not mean that any law was broken or that Google did anything wrong,” the website notes. “Settlement Class Counsel believes that the Settlement is best for all Settlement Class Members.”
There are approximately 100 million settlement class members who may be eligible for a payout, and all those who don’t opt out will receive a payment, according to the settlement website.
Eligible users should have received a notice in the mail or email containing a notice ID and a confirmation code, which is needed when selecting a payment method online.
Failure to select a payment method results in the risk of not receiving a payout.
A final approval hearing has been scheduled for June 23, and payments will go out after the court grants final approval and administration costs, taxes, and any other court-approved expenses are paid.
Stock image of a person using a smartphone
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It is currently unknown exactly how much each settlement class member will receive.
Those who are unsure whether they are part of the settlement can call the toll-free number, 1-844-655-4255.
Android users who wish to exclude themselves from the settlement give up the right to separately sue Google about the claims alleged in the lawsuit.
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One can opt out of the settlement by sending a personally signed letter requesting exclusion to the settlement administrator before May 29 to the address listed on the settlement website.
Read the original article on People