Google Settles $68M Spy Claims Over Voice Assistant Privacy Breach
Google has settled claims regarding its voice assistant for $68 million, amid allegations of improper user surveillance. The lawsuit accused the tech giant of unlawfully recording users’ private communications without consent, ultimately using this information for targeted advertisements.
Settlement Details of Google’s Voice Assistant Case
Despite the financial payout, Google did not admit to any wrongdoing in this class-action lawsuit. The claims centered on instances known as “false accepts,” where Google Assistant allegedly activated and recorded conversations without users issuing the wake word.
Key Allegations
- Unauthorized interception of confidential communications
- Recording of conversations without user consent
- Wrongful transmission of data to third parties for targeted advertising
These allegations reflect a broader concern among Americans regarding their devices potentially spying on them, a fear that has fueled numerous legal actions against tech companies. In 2021, Apple similarly faced scrutiny when it settled for $95 million over claims that Siri recorded user conversations without prompting.
Broader Implications for Tech Companies
This settlement comes at a time when Google and other major tech firms have encountered various privacy-related lawsuits. Last year, Google settled with the state of Texas for $1.4 billion over accusations of violating state data privacy laws.
As users continue to question the security of their private information, tech companies may need to reassess their data handling practices to restore public trust.
