Google has agreed to pay $68 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging its AI-powered virtual assistant, Google Assistant, recorded users without their permission.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, claimed Google Assistant devices experienced 'false accepts'-recording conversations even when users did not use the wake word 'Okay Google.'
Eligible class members include anyone who bought a Google-made device, used Google Assistant, or lived with a user in the U.S. from May 18, 2016, to March 19, 2026.
The settlement fund covers administrative costs, legal fees, and plaintiff awards. Remaining funds will be distributed based on a point system: four per device (max three) and one per user or household member.
Google denies all allegations and wrongdoing, stating the settlement avoids the costs and risks of trial.