A jury in San Jose, California, has ruled that Google must pay over $314.6 million to Android smartphone users in the state for misusing their cellphone data. On Tuesday, the country’s highest court issued a unanimous verdict that is a significant legal victory for the plaintiffs. They had previously filed a class action lawsuit against the tech company’s tech giant in 2019. This case should provide serious pause about Google’s practices with regard to customer data.
The class action lawsuit centers the voices of nearly 14 million everyday Californians. Specifically, they allege that Google mismanaged the privacy of their cellphone data. The jury’s decision underscores the magnitude of Google’s alleged violations, prompting the court to impose a substantial penalty. Now, Google is under attack in two legal challenges. There’s only been one lawsuit filed in federal court over Android users in the other 49 states.
Glen Summers, the lawyer representing Eugene and Kelly Summers, said he was pleased with the jury’s decision. He stated, “This verdict forcefully vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Google’s misconduct.” The ramifications of this decision could be felt far beyond the borders of California, shaping the way technology companies are able to process user information across the country.
The court proceedings began after plaintiffs claimed that Google’s actions “misunderstand services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices,” according to a statement from Jose Castaneda, a representative associated with the case. These claims, if true, raise larger issues about the state of consumer trust and data security in the tech sector.
Google’s case is slated to go to trial in April 2026, where even more claims regarding its data practices could be explored. The ongoing litigation raises questions about corporate accountability and consumer rights in an increasingly digital landscape.