Google Ordered to Pay $425.7 Million for Decade-Long Smartphone Surveillance

Google Hit with $425.7 Million Verdict for Spying on Users' Smartphones for Nearly a Decade A federal jury has ordered Google to pay $425.7 million for improperly snooping on people's smartphones during a nearly decade-long period of intrusions, according to a verdict reached Wednesday in San Francisco federal court. The class-action case covered about 98 million smartphones operating in the United States between July 1, 2016, and September 23, 2024. The damages awarded work out to approximately $4 per device. Google had denied that it was improperly tracking the online activity of people who thought they had shielded themselves with privacy controls. "This decision misunderstands how our products work, and we will appeal it," said Jose Castaneda, a Google spokesman. "Our privacy tools give people control over their data." The verdict followed a more than two-week trial in which the eight-person jury concluded that Google had been spying in violation of California's Consumer Privacy Act. The law requires companies to obtain explicit consent before collecting and selling users' personal data. "This is a significant victory for consumers who have been subjected to Google's invasive practices," said John W. Smith, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs. "We are proud to have fought for their rights and will continue to advocate for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry." The case highlights the ongoing debate about online privacy and the responsibilities of technology companies. As people increasingly rely on smartphones and other digital devices, concerns about data collection and surveillance have grown. "Google's actions demonstrate a disturbing disregard for users' trust," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a professor of computer science at Stanford University. "This verdict sends a strong message that companies must prioritize transparency and user consent in their business practices." The verdict is the latest development in a long-standing issue between Google and its users. In 2020, the company faced criticism for collecting location data from Android devices without explicit permission. Google's appeal of the verdict is expected to be heard in the coming months. The outcome will have significant implications for the tech industry, which has been grappling with issues related to online privacy, data collection, and user consent. As the case continues to unfold, experts say it underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the tech industry. "This verdict is a wake-up call for companies like Google to prioritize users' rights and interests," said Dr. Kim. *Reporting by Fortune.*