Google to pay $68 million to settle lawsuit over secret Google Assistant recordings

Google has agreed to pay $68 million to settle a class-action lawsuit related to the unlawful recording of user conversations by its Google Assistant voice service.

The Verge reported the settlement, citing court filings submitted late last week. The case stems from a 2019 investigation by Belgian outlet VRT NWS.

Journalists found that Google contractors responsible for transcribing audio had access to recordings triggered by accidental activations of the “Ok, Google” wake phrase. These clips often captured private conversations, including those involving children and individuals who had not consented to being recorded.

Plaintiffs argued that Google deliberately recorded confidential conversations without user permission and shared the data with third parties, including for advertising purposes. As part of the settlement, Google denies these allegations and says the recordings were not used for ad targeting.

If the agreement is approved, compensation will be available to Google account holders linked to devices with Google Assistant preinstalled since 2016, including Pixel smartphones, Google Home devices, smart speakers and displays, as well as the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max. Payouts are expected to range from $18 to $56. Individuals who did not purchase the devices but lived in homes where the assistant recorded conversations may receive between $2 and $10.