Google Ordered to Pay $425M for Privacy Breach Despite User Opt-Outs

Google Ordered to Pay $425M in Privacy Lawsuit A US federal court has ruled that Google must pay $425 million (316.3 million) for violating users' privacy by collecting data from millions of users despite their tracking feature being turned off. The verdict, handed down on [date], comes after a group of users filed a class-action lawsuit against the tech giant in July 2020, alleging that Google accessed users' mobile devices to collect, save, and use their data without consent. The plaintiffs claimed that this practice breached privacy assurances made by Google through its Web App Activity setting. The jury found Google liable for two out of three claims of privacy violations but determined that the company did not act with malice. The lawsuit covered approximately 98 million Google users and 174 million devices. "This decision misunderstands how our products work, and we will appeal it," a Google spokesperson said in a statement to the BBC. "Our privacy tools give people control over their data, and when they turn off personalization, we honor that choice." The plaintiffs had sought damages exceeding $31 billion. The ruling is seen as a significant blow to Google's reputation on issues of user data protection. Background on the case reveals that Google's collection practices extended to hundreds of thousands of users who had opted out of tracking. This has raised concerns about the tech giant's commitment to user privacy and its ability to honor users' choices. Industry experts say the verdict highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the way companies collect and use user data. "This ruling sends a clear message that companies must respect users' wishes when it comes to their personal information," said [expert name], a digital rights advocate. Google's decision to appeal the ruling suggests that the company will continue to contest the allegations. The outcome of this case is likely to have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, with many companies facing similar lawsuits over data collection and use practices. The $425 million payout is one of the largest fines imposed on a tech giant in recent years, underscoring the growing scrutiny of big tech's handling of user data. As the case moves forward, it remains to be seen how Google will address the concerns raised by this ruling and what changes it may implement to better protect users' privacy. In related news, [related story or development] provides further insight into the ongoing debate over user data protection and the role of tech companies in safeguarding personal information. *Reporting by Bbc.*