Google $135M Android settlement

Google has agreed to pay $135 million to settle a federal lawsuit over claims Android phones sent data to Google over cellular networks without users’ permission. (federalcellularclassaction.com) The settlement covers people in the United States who used an Android mobile device to access the internet through a cellular network at any point from Nov. 12, 2017, to the present, unless they are part of the separate California case *Csupo v. Google LLC*. (federalcellularclassaction.com) The case is *Taylor v. Google LLC*, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, and Magistrate Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi granted preliminary approval on March 5, 2026. (govinfo.gov) Plaintiffs said Android devices transferred information to Google in the background even when phones were idle, apps were closed, and Wi‑Fi was available, using customers’ paid mobile data instead of waiting for a Wi‑Fi connection. Google denied wrongdoing in the settlement. (usatoday.com) The payment is not a flat $135 million divided evenly among users. Class members are entitled to a pro rata share of the net settlement fund after attorneys’ fees, litigation costs, service awards and administration expenses are deducted. (news.bloomberglaw.com) Multiple outlets said roughly 100 million Android users could fall into the class, which is why individual payouts are expected to be modest even though the total settlement is large. (masslive.com) Most eligible users do not need to submit a traditional claim form. The settlement site says payments will be made automatically, but users should complete a Payment Election Form to choose how they want to receive money. (federalcellularclassaction.com) Reported payment options include Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, automated clearing house transfer and a virtual Mastercard, and some coverage said notices were sent with a unique claimant ID. (androidauthority.com) The deadlines now on the case are May 29, 2026, to exclude yourself or object, and June 23, 2026, for the final approval hearing. The settlement site says payment timing will depend on whether the court grants final approval and whether any appeals are filed. (federalcellularclassaction.com) The deal also goes beyond cash. Reporting on the settlement agreement said Google will update parts of its Google Play terms, Help Center pages and Android setup disclosures tied to the challenged data transfers. (giganectar.com) For Android users, the immediate question is simple: whether they used a phone on cellular service after Nov. 12, 2017, and whether they have selected a payment method before the case reaches final approval on June 23. (cnet.com)