Google has agreed to a $135 million settlement over claims that its Android system used people's cellular data without permission. The lawsuit alleges these data transfers occurred in the background, even when the phone was not actively in use.
The core of the case is Android's background activity, with plaintiffs claiming devices sent information to Google servers without clear user consent. This reportedly happened over cellular networks, potentially incurring costs for users.
Eligible individuals are those who used an Android device on a cellular network after November 12, 2017, excluding those in a similar ongoing case. An estimated 100 million users could qualify.
While the settlement fund is $135 million, individual payments are expected to be modest due to the large number of potential recipients.
To claim a payment, users should check for settlement notices via email or mail. Visiting the official settlement website at federalcellularclassaction.com is recommended to confirm eligibility and update payment details. Automatic payments may be issued if no action is taken, but outdated information could cause delays.
The deadline to opt out or object to the settlement is May 29, 2026, with final approval scheduled for June 23, 2026.
This case highlights broader issues of smartphone background activity, user consent, and data transparency. Google has denied wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement, stating it provides additional disclosures about service operations.
Users can manage background data usage by checking app settings and limiting background activity for specific applications. Adjusting settings for software updates and app downloads to use Wi-Fi only can also reduce cellular data consumption.