Google secretly used your Android data without permission, and if you’ve had an Android since 2017, you may be owed part of a $135 million settlement

If you have been using an Android device at any point since November 12, 2017, you might be eligible for a share of a $135 million settlement. The class action lawsuit, known as Taylor v. Google LLC, claims that Android devices were secretly sending cellular data to Google without users’ permission. According to the lawsuit, this was happening even when the phones were idle, using up cellular data that users never intended to spend.

Google has not admitted to any wrongdoing, but has agreed to the $135 million settlement to resolve the claims, according to The Hill. It is worth noting that a similar lawsuit involving only California residents recently ended in a separate $350 million settlement. If you were already part of that California case, you are not eligible for this current one.

The settlement administrators estimate that around 100 million people could qualify. To be eligible, you must be a living individual residing in the United States who used an Android device with a cellular data plan at any point from November 12, 2017, until the date the settlement receives final approval. You may have already received a notification by email, so it is worth checking your spam folder if you have not seen anything.

The payout may be small now, but there is a chance for more money later

Because the settlement fund also has to cover administration fees, taxes, notice costs, and other court-approved expenses, the estimated payout per person is currently just over $1. However, if there are leftover funds after the first round of payments, administrators plan to send additional payments to those who already received one, up to a maximum of $100 per person. 

Whether this happens depends on how much money remains and whether redistributing it is considered practical. To make sure you receive your payment, visit the official settlement website and complete the payment election form using the notice ID and confirmation code sent to your email. You can also choose your preferred payment method through the site.

If you do nothing, administrators will still try to send you a payment, but if those attempts fail, you could miss out entirely, so it is much safer to submit your details online. This settlement is just one of many growing concerns around Android, as Android Auto users report dangerous car safety issues tied to failing features.

Beyond the money, this settlement also brings some changes to how Google handles your data going forward. Google will update its Google Play terms of service to be clearer about the fact that certain data transfers happen passively, even when you are not actively using your device. It will also clarify that cellular data may be used when a Wi-Fi connection is unavailable.

While these passive transfers cannot always be turned off, Google will now ask for your consent during device setup. Google has also committed to fully stopping data collection when you have the “allow background data usage” option turned off. These changes come at a time when Google is also under pressure on other fronts, including how Google handles constant notification problems compared to Apple.

The final approval hearing is scheduled for June 23. According to CNET, if you do not want to be part of this settlement, you must submit an opt-out request or write to the court by May 29. Information on how to object or speak at the June 23 hearing is also available on the settlement website. Since the hearing date and time could change, it is a good idea to check the website regularly if you plan to follow the case closely.