Google Fined $314M for Android Data Misuse

A California jury ordered Google to pay over $314 million to approximately 14 million Android users in the state after finding the company liable for collecting data from idle devices without user consent. The class-action lawsuit alleged that Google transmitted data for targeted advertising, consuming users' paid cellular data without their knowledge. Google argued that such data transfers are necessary for security, performance, and reliability, and claimed users agreed to these practices through its terms of service and privacy policies. The company plans to appeal, stating the jury misunderstood Android's operations. A similar federal lawsuit covering Android users in other states is set for trial in 2026. The verdict highlights Google's ongoing legal and regulatory challenges regarding its data practices.