Texas Court Allows Google to Question Officials in Privacy Lawsuit

A Texas appeals court has ruled that Google has the right to question state officials in a lawsuit alleging the company unlawfully collected biometric data from millions of Texans without consent. This decision reversed a previous ruling that had prevented Google from seeking depositions related to the state’s internal communications and the relevant privacy law. The lawsuit, filed by Texas, accuses Google of deceptive trade practices and violation of state law concerning biometric identifiers like faces and fingerprints. Google has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that it has already obtained substantial discovery from the state. In response to the ruling, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court, expressing concerns that the decision undermines consumer protection litigation against non-Texas companies. The legal battle highlights ongoing tensions between state regulations and tech companies' data practices.