Google has agreed to a $135 million class action settlement, addressing allegations that it utilized Android devices to transmit data to Google without user authorization, thereby consuming cellular data.
This Google class action settlement is designed to benefit consumers who have used mobile devices running the Android operating system to access the internet via cellular data networks since November 12, 2017.
According to the class action lawsuit, Google’s Android operating system caused devices to transfer information to Google without obtaining user permission. These transfers purportedly occurred in the background, even when devices were idle and not actively being used.
The plaintiffs in the case asserted that Google could have limited these transfers to instances when devices were connected to Wi-Fi, but instead, it opted to use cellular data. This unauthorized consumption of cellular data allegedly violated legal statutes and necessitated Google compensating users for the data used for its own benefit.
While Google has not admitted any wrongdoing, it has consented to a $135 million class action settlement to resolve these claims.
Under the provisions of the Google settlement, class members are eligible to receive a cash payment. The precise payment amounts will fluctuate depending on both the total number of participating class members and the specific amount each class member paid for cellular data while operating Android devices.
As per information on the settlement website, there are approximately 100 million class members. Each class member is anticipated to receive an equal share from the settlement fund, though exact payment figures are not yet available.
Should any funds remain in the settlement after the initial distribution, the settlement administrator has the option to redistribute these funds to class members who previously received payments successfully. If redistribution is not economically practical, the funds will be allocated to an organization approved by the court. No remaining funds will be returned to Google.
The settlement also includes non-monetary provisions. Google will update its Google Play Terms of Service, a relevant page in Google’s Help Center, and the setup screens shown to Android users during device initialization. These updates will disclose the conduct at the center of the lawsuit and seek user consent for it. Additionally, Google will disable a related setting on Android devices.
The deadline to exclude oneself from or object to the class action settlement is May 29, 2026.
The final approval hearing for the Google settlement is scheduled for June 23, 2026.
No claim form is required to receive benefits from this settlement. Class members who do not opt out will automatically receive settlement benefits. However, class members who prefer to receive their payment via direct deposit or another chosen method must specify their preferred payment method on the settlement website.