EXPLAINER: What Google’s $5 Billion Privacy Lawsuit Settlement Means
TECH DIGEST- Alphabet’s Google has reached a preliminary settlement in a consumer privacy lawsuit, putting a scheduled trial on hold. The lawsuit accused Google of secretly tracking the internet activities of millions who believed they were browsing privately. The proposed class action sought at least $5 billion in damages.
While the settlement terms remain undisclosed, lawyers have agreed to a binding term sheet through mediation, with a formal settlement expected for court approval by February 24, 2024.
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The plaintiffs alleged that Google’s analytics, cookies, and apps allowed tracking even when users set browsers to private modes. They argued that this turned Google into an “unaccountable trove of information,” breaching user privacy by learning about their personal details and online activities.
In August, the judge rejected Google’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit, emphasizing the open question of whether Google made a binding promise not to collect data in private mode. The lawsuit, filed in 2020, covered millions of users since June 1, 2016, seeking at least $5,000 in damages per user for violations of federal wiretapping and California privacy laws.
The settlement suggests Google’s acknowledgment of user concerns and may prompt a reevaluation of its privacy practices. The outcome underscores the significance of transparency and user trust in the evolving landscape of digital privacy. As details of the settlement emerge, it will be interesting to see how this development influences Google’s approach to user data and whether it leads to changes in its privacy policies and practices.
