Google will pay $135 million to settle a class action lawsuit over illegal data collection. The suit alleged that the company harvested cellular data from Android phones without consent, even when apps were closed or location features were disabled. This data was supposedly used for marketing and product development, which the plaintiffs argued constituted “conversion” under US law.

The settlement, pending court approval, could be one of the largest of its kind. Affected users may receive up to $100 each. As part of the agreement, Google will seek consent during new phone setups and add a toggle to disable data transfer. Google denies any wrongdoing, but the company is clearly taking measures to avoid future issues.

This settlement follows a $68 million agreement earlier in the week concerning the Google Assistant, which was accused of spying on users. These legal challenges highlight the ongoing scrutiny of tech giants' data practices. Google is clearly trying to avoid more extensive legal battles and the potential damage to its reputation.

Looking ahead, the case underscores the importance of user privacy in the digital age. Consumers are increasingly aware of how their data is used, and companies will need to prioritize transparency and user control. The trial is scheduled for August 5, but the terms of the settlement are likely to be upheld.