Millions of Android phone users could be eligible for a payout following a $135,000,000 settlement with Google.
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, alleged that Google's Android operating system caused phones to send data in the background without users' permission.
Plaintiffs alleged that this happened 'without any notice to the user, including when the devices are in a completely idle state, meaning they are not in use or being touched, with all apps closed', according to the settlement website.
Google has denied the allegations and said in a statement to the New York Post: “We are pleased to resolve this case, which mischaracterized standard industry practices that keep Android safe.
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Do I qualify for the settlement?
To qualify, individuals - not businesses - must live in the US and have an Android phone to access the internet through a cellular plan at some point since 12 November 2017.
Anyone involved in separate California lawsuit, Csupo v. Google LLC, is excluded.
To file a claim, you must enter a preferred method of payment at the settlement website at this link.
How much could you receive?
The amount largely depends on how many Android users receive payments, with 100 million people currently eligible.
Given that the $135,000,000 settlement will also be reduced by lawyer fees, taxes and other expenses, it's hard to know the exact amount you could get.
When will you get your payment?
The settlement website states that people who are eligible 'will receive their payments after the Court grants final approval to the Settlement and any appeals are resolved. If there are appeals, resolving them can take time'.
"If you do not select a payment method, the Settlement Administrator will still attempt to send you your payment automatically, but you run the risk of not receiving a payment from this Settlement if those attempts are unsuccessful," it adds.
How to get out of the settlement
"If you want to exclude yourself from the Class, you must send a personally signed letter asking to be excluded to the Settlement Administrator. The letter must be signed by you in ink and may not be signed electronically," it explains.
"If you do nothing, you will be part of this Settlement, and you will be bound by the Settlement Agreement and the Court’s decisions. The Settlement Administrator will still attempt to send you your payment even if you do nothing, but you run the risk of not receiving a payment if those attempts are unsuccessful."
Topics: Google, Phones, Technology, US News
Anish Vij