Google to Pay $135 Million in Data Privacy Settlement: How to Claim Your Share

Google has agreed to a $135 million settlement to resolve a federal class action lawsuit alleging that the Android operating system collected and accessed user cellular data without proper knowledge or consent. The case, Taylor v. Google LLC (Case No. 5:20-CV-07956-VKD), focuses on how the company handled background data transfers on Android devices.

The lawsuit alleged that Android devices transmitted data to Google servers over cellular networks even when phones were idle, apps were closed, or Wi-Fi connections were available. Plaintiffs argued that these background transfers consumed cellular data that users paid for through their mobile carriers, primarily benefiting Google while raising consumer protection and privacy concerns.

Settlement Terms and Payouts

Google has established a $135 million nonreversionary settlement fund. This means that any funds not distributed to eligible class members will not return to Google. From this total, the court will deduct litigation expenses, settlement administration costs, service awards for named plaintiffs, and approved attorneys’ fees.

The remaining net settlement fund will be distributed to eligible class members on a pro-rated basis. While individual payments are capped at $100, the actual amount each person receives will depend on the final number of qualifying users and the size of the net fund.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a payment from the settlement, a claimant must meet the following criteria:

• Be a living person residing in the United States.
• Have used an Android mobile device with a cellular data plan to access the internet between November 12, 2017, and the date the settlement receives final approval.
• Not be a class member in a similar lawsuit specifically for California residents.

How to Claim

Eligible users who received a personalized notice can select their preferred payment method via the official settlement website at federalcellularclassaction.com. The website indicates that potential claimants who do not choose a payment method may not receive a payment.

Users are advised to check their Gmail spam folders for notifications containing a unique claimant ID. Those who have not received a notification can contact info@federalcellularclassaction.com.

Timeline and Legal Context

The settlement was filed for preliminary approval on January 28, 2026. The deadline for potential claimants to exclude themselves from the settlement or to object to the terms is May 29, 2026. A final approval hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2026.

Google has denied any wrongdoing as part of the agreement. A spokesperson for the company, José Castañeda, stated in an email to USA TODAY that the company is pleased to resolve this case, which mischaracterized standard industry practices that keep Android safe.

Beyond the financial payout, the settlement includes updates to specific Android disclosures regarding user consent and background data usage. Glen Summers, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, noted in a court filing that he believes this $135 million payout is the largest ever in a conversion case.