Google Fined $314M for Misusing Idle Android Users' Data

A California court has ruled that Google must pay $314.6 million in damages to affected users after a class-action suit filed in August 2019 was settled. The verdict marks the end of a long and complex battle between Google and thousands of Californians who claimed the company misused their idle Android phone data.

The case, which has been years in the making, centers around Google's use of Android users' cell phone data without their consent. According to the plaintiffs, the company collected this data by sending information over cellular networks, even when phones were idle and no apps were open. This practice was said to be unfair and costly for users, who were unknowingly contributing to Google's advertising profits.

The class-action lawsuit, which represents around 14 million Californians, claimed that Google used the data to serve targeted ads while consuming users' cellular data. The plaintiffs argued that the Android system could have been designed to limit this data transfer to Wi-Fi only, but instead, Google chose to use cellular networks, resulting in unnecessary data usage.

"Although Google could make it so that these transfers happen only when the phones are connected to Wi-Fi, Google instead designed these transfers so they can also take place over a cellular network," the plaintiffs stated. "Google's unauthorized use of their cellular data violates California law and requires Google to compensate Plaintiffs for the value of the cellular data that Google uses for its own benefit without their permission."

As part of the lawsuit, the plaintiffs presented evidence showing that even with default settings, a Samsung Galaxy S7 sent 8.88MB/day of cellular data, with 94% going to Google, about 389 transfers daily. The data, mostly log files, was not urgent and could have waited for Wi-Fi, but the company did not offer such an option.

A separate test conducted in 2018 found a dormant Android device with Chrome open sent around 900 transfers daily, far more than an idle iPhone, which offered better user control over data sharing. The plaintiffs' attorney, Glen Summers, called the verdict a strong affirmation of the company's misconduct and the case's validity.

"[The verdict] forcefully vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Google's misconduct," said Summers. "This ruling sends a clear message to tech companies that they cannot abuse their users' data without accountability."

Google's Response

Google argued that no harm occurred and that users had consented via its policies. The company stated that the decision misunderstands Android's core services, which are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices.

"[The verdict] misunderstands services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices," said Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda. "We will continue to work with our users to provide them with a safe and secure Android experience."

A Federal Lawsuit Looms

Despite this settlement, another federal lawsuit with similar claims is also underway and set for trial in April 2026. The case represents users from the other 49 states and will likely have far-reaching implications for tech companies and their handling of user data.

Conclusion

The $314M fine marks a significant victory for users who fought against Google's alleged misuse of their idle Android phone data. As the tech industry continues to grapple with issues of data privacy and accountability, this verdict serves as a reminder that companies must be held responsible for their actions.