Google has agreed to pay $68 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its voice-activated assistant, Google Assistant, recorded private conversations without consent. The settlement, filed in a San Jose federal court, requires approval by U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman.
Plaintiffs accused Google of illegally recording and sharing private conversations when the assistant was triggered by mistake, leading to targeted advertising. Google denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation costs and uncertainty.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The settlement covers users affected by false accepts—instances where Google Assistant misheard commands—since May 18, 2016. The $68 million fund may include up to $22.7 million for plaintiffs' legal fees.
Google Assistant, like Apple’s Siri, activates when users say phrases like “Hey Google.” The lawsuit claimed recordings were sent to advertisers for targeted ads, a practice Google denies.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background of the Lawsuit
Plaintiffs argued that Google Assistant recorded conversations even when not explicitly triggered, violating privacy. The lawsuit alleged these recordings were used to tailor ads, though Google maintains it does not share audio while in standby mode.
Google’s Response
Google denied wrongdoing in court filings but chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation. The company declined further comment on the matter. A similar lawsuit against Apple’s Siri resulted in a $95 million settlement in December 2024.
Impact and Next Steps
The settlement awaits final approval from the court. If approved, eligible users may receive compensation. The case highlights ongoing concerns about voice assistant privacy and data handling.