Google may be fined over illegal data collection

A jury in San Jose has ordered Google to pay $314 million in a lawsuit over the unlawful collection of user data from Android devices, according to Bloomberg.

The lawsuit was filed in 2019. Plaintiffs alleged that Google used mobile data traffic without users’ knowledge to collect personal information. They claim the data was used to improve ad targeting and develop more effective advertising products.

According to the plaintiffs, this involved the systematic use of user traffic and data without explicit consent. Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda stated that the company disagrees with the ruling and plans to appeal. He argued that Android users consent to data sharing when activating their devices and adjusting settings.

This is not the only case: a similar lawsuit is scheduled for trial at the federal level in 2026. In addition, earlier this year, Google faced a €12 billion class-action lawsuit from European price comparison sites accusing the company of unfair competition.