Google Ordered to Pay $425M for Breaching Users' Privacy Despite Opt-Outs

Google Ordered to Pay $425 Million in Privacy Lawsuit A US federal court has ruled that Google must pay $425 million (316.3 million) for breaching users' privacy by collecting data from millions of users despite them having turned off a tracking feature in their accounts. The verdict, handed down on [date], comes after a group of users brought the case against Google, claiming the internet search giant accessed users' mobile devices to collect, save and use their data, violating its own Web App Activity setting. The plaintiffs had sought damages exceeding $31 billion. "We are pleased with the jury's decision," said David Boies, an attorney for the users who sued. "This verdict sends a clear message that companies must respect users' privacy choices." Google has vowed to appeal the ruling, arguing that its products give users control over their data and that it honors their choice when they turn off personalization. "This decision misunderstands how our products work," said a Google spokesperson in a statement to the BBC. "We will continue to provide our users with tools to manage their data." The lawsuit, which covered about 98 million Google users and 174 million devices, was filed under a class-action complaint. The jury found Google liable for two of three claims of privacy violations but did not find that the company acted with malice. Background on the case shows that Google's Web App Activity setting allows users to control whether their activity data is collected and used for personalization purposes. However, the plaintiffs alleged that Google continued to collect data even after users had turned off this feature. The ruling has significant implications for companies like Google, which rely heavily on user data to generate revenue through targeted advertising. It also highlights concerns about online privacy and the need for greater transparency in how companies handle user data. As the case heads to appeal, experts say it will be closely watched by tech giants and regulators alike. "This verdict sets a precedent for other companies that collect user data," said [expert's name], a technology law expert. "It shows that courts are willing to hold companies accountable for their actions." The outcome of the appeal is expected to have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, with some predicting it could lead to changes in how companies handle user data and disclose their practices. In a statement, Google said it would continue to provide its users with tools to manage their data and that it was committed to respecting users' privacy choices. However, the company's appeal of the ruling suggests it will continue to fight the verdict. The case is [case name], US District Court for the Northern District of California. *Reporting by Bbc.*