Here's something that might affect your wallet: Google just agreed to a $135 million settlement for collecting cellular data from Android users without permission. If you've owned an Android phone, this could mean money coming your way.
The details matter here. According to The Verge, the settlement resolves a class action lawsuit where users claimed Google was quietly pulling data from their devices even when they thought they'd turned everything off—no Google apps running, location sharing disabled, screen locked. Sound familiar? You're not alone.
Android users covered by the settlement can receive individual payouts up to $100, which adds up to meaningful money for people who've been in the ecosystem for years. But beyond the cash, Google is making changes to how it handles your data going forward.
Starting now, you'll have easier controls to prevent cellular data transfers, you'll be asked for permission when setting up a new device, and Google will clearly spell out its data practices in the Play Store terms of service.
The eligibility window is generous: any Android user who had a device since November 12, 2017 can potentially claim a payout. Given how many people have been in the Android world that long, this could affect a substantial portion of the user base.
One thing to remember is that Google didn't concede it did anything wrong: the company maintains it followed the rules. But settling and committing to these transparency improvements still represents a significant shift in how Google will operate. This isn't an isolated incident either; Google recently settled another lawsuit involving its Assistant allegedly recording conversations without consent.
If you've been an Android user, keep an eye out for information about how to submit your claim. When the process opens, you'll want to register to get your share of the settlement.
Source: The Verge
