Google has reached a settlement agreement with the state of Texas, agreeing to pay $1.375 billion to resolve two lawsuits alleging the company violated users’ privacy rights. The lawsuits covered accusations that Google tracked users’ movements, searches, and even collected their voiceprints and facial data through various products. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who had led the legal action against the tech giant, emphasized that the settlement was a victory for consumer protection, declaring that Big Tech companies must be held accountable under the law.
The settlement resolves claims related to Google’s Incognito mode, Location History feature, and biometric data practices. Paxton’s legal actions had alleged that Google improperly collected data from Texas residents, including face geometry and voiceprints, without obtaining the proper consent. Additionally, it was claimed that Google continued to track users’ locations even when they had disabled the feature, and misled them about the privacy protections provided by Incognito mode. While the terms of the settlement were not fully disclosed, Google did not admit to any wrongdoing.
In a statement, Google expressed relief at resolving the long-standing issues, stating that the agreement covered “old claims” related to policies that have since been changed. The company reiterated its commitment to strengthening privacy controls in its services moving forward, though it made it clear that the settlement would not require changes to any of its products.
This legal resolution follows a similar settlement reached by Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which paid $1.4 billion last year to settle allegations of unlawfully collecting and using facial recognition data. The Texas Attorney General’s office has been at the forefront of holding technology companies accountable for privacy violations, and these settlements reflect an ongoing push to ensure greater transparency and consumer rights in the digital age.
Despite the settlements, questions remain about the broader implications for tech companies’ data practices, particularly as privacy concerns continue to rise. Critics argue that while the financial settlements may provide some redress, they do not necessarily address the systemic issues around user consent and data collection, leaving tech companies to continue navigating the complex intersection of privacy, technology, and regulation.
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