Consumer Privacy and Class Actions

Android smartphone users who used devices with Google Play Services on cellular networks are eligible to claim payments from a tentative $135 million nationwide settlement resolving a class-action suit that accused Google of secretly transmitting device data over cellular connections. The suit covered alleged background data transfers that began in November 2017 and continued for years, and plaintiffs said the transmissions were used to roll out features, fix problems, monitor device health, support advertising and download software even when devices were idle or not on Wi‑Fi, costing users cellular data. Google has disputed the claims, saying the transfers were industry standard, small in size, provided security and other benefits, and were disclosed in settings and notices.