Google to pay $68M in Assistant privacy lawsuit settlement
▼ Summary
– Google is settling a class-action lawsuit for $68 million over allegedly recording conversations without consent during “False Accepts,” where devices activated without the proper “Ok Google” trigger.
– The lawsuit was prompted by a 2019 VRT NWS report revealing human reviewers heard private conversations from inadvertent recordings.
– Google denies any wrongdoing, including allegations that information from these recordings was used for targeted advertising or shared with third parties.
– Eligible recipients include people with Google accounts linked to Assistant-enabled devices like Pixel phones and Google Home from as early as 2016.
– Payouts range from $18-$56 for device purchasers and $2-$10 for users or household members whose conversations were allegedly recorded.
You could be eligible for a payment from Google as the company moves to settle a major privacy lawsuit. The case centers on allegations that Google devices recorded private conversations without proper consent, a situation brought to light by investigative reporting. A proposed settlement of $68 million has been filed with the court, aiming to resolve claims that the company’s voice-activated Assistant captured audio when it mistakenly thought it heard its trigger phrase.
The lawsuit alleged that Google engaged in the unlawful recording of confidential communications during incidents known as “False Accepts.” This occurs when a device activates and begins recording after mishearing a sound or word as the “Ok Google” command. Investigators found that human contractors reviewing these audio clips sometimes listened to highly personal information, including private discussions that were never intended for the Assistant. The plaintiffs further claimed that data from these recordings was improperly shared with third parties, an allegation Google has consistently denied. As part of the settlement agreement, Google continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Should a judge approve the settlement, payments will be distributed to a broad class of individuals. Those whose Google accounts were linked to a qualifying device with Google Assistant pre-installed, dating back to 2016, are included. This covers owners of Pixel phones, Google Home speakers, Nest smart displays, and other Assistant-enabled hardware. Eligible customers who purchased such a device could receive between $18 and $56.
Additionally, anyone who used Google Assistant or resided in a home with such a device that may have recorded their conversations without consent could qualify for a smaller payment, estimated between $2 and $10. The settlement process will provide a formal claims period for affected individuals to seek their portion of the fund.
(Source: The Verge)
