Google has reached a settlement agreement in a lawsuit accusing the tech giant of secretly monitoring the online activities of millions of users who believed their browsing was private. The lawsuit, filed in 2020, alleged that Google used various tools to bypass browser settings and track user data, violating federal wire-tapping and California privacy laws.
The lawsuit has covered millions of Google users since June 1, 2016, seeking at least $5,000 in damages per user. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, presiding in Oakland, California, temporarily halted the scheduled trial on February 5, 2024, following preliminary settlements between Google and consumer plaintiffs.
The lawyers have agreed to a binding term sheet through mediation, and a formal settlement for court approval is expected by February 24, 2024. While the settlement amount remains undisclosed, the case underscores growing concerns about online privacy, emphasising the need for stronger regulations to protect users’ digital rights.
Plaintiffs argued that Google’s analytics, cookies, and apps allowed the company to track their activity even in “Incognito” or “private” browsing modes. The settlement, once approved, will bring closure to a legal battle highlighting the challenges of safeguarding user privacy in the digital age.