Do You Own an Android Phone? Claim a Part of Google's $135M Data Harvesting Settlement Soon

May 24, 2026 · 12:57 PM UTC ·4 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 34 views

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Android phone users in the US may be eligible for a share of a $135 million settlement with Google over data harvesting allegations. The lawsuit claims Google collected user data without consent through Android devices starting in 2017. Users must meet specific criteria to qualify for the settlement and opt out if they wish to retain the right to sue Google separately.

Key facts

▪The class-action lawsuit alleges that Google secretly programmed Android devices to transmit user information without consent.
▪Google has denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle, pending court approval scheduled for June 23.
▪Eligible users must have used an Android phone with a cellular data plan between November 12, 2017, and the settlement's final approval.

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Original publisher	CNET
Canonical URL	https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-data-harvesting-settlement-what-to-know-how-to-claim-135-million/
Publication time	Sun, 24 May 2026 12:57:38 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-05-24T13:07:32.531Z
Last seen	2026-05-24T13:07:32.531Z
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand

If you have an Android phone and you live in the US, you may be eligible to claim part of an upcoming $135 million settlement payout. The case centers on the allegation (PDF) that Google "effectively forces users to subsidize its surveillance by secretly programming Android devices to constantly transmit user information" using the very same cellular data that customers purchased themselves.The class-action lawsuit Joseph Taylor v. Google (PDF) alleges that, starting in 2017, Google updated Android OS to automatically collect cellular data via carriers, with no way for users to opt out. The lawsuit alleges that this data collection occurred even when people took steps such as disabling location tracking or closing apps.Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews.

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