Google is set to pay a hefty sum of $1.4 billion to the state of Texas to resolve allegations of unauthorized data collection. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the settlement, emphasizing the message it sends to the technology sector: misuse of consumer data for profit will not be tolerated.
According to Paxton, “Big Tech is not exempt from the law in Texas.” He asserted this settlement as a victory against Google’s secret tracking of personal data, which included individuals’ movements, private search history, and biometric data such as voice and facial recognition. He described the outcome as a triumph against a long-standing misuse of privacy.
The settlement addresses several claims filed by Texas in 2022, alleging Google’s unauthorized handling of sensitive information including location data, private browsing data, and biometric identifiers. The state contended that Google was involved in illicit surveillance, capturing user information without their explicit consent.
In detail, Paxton accused Google of collecting millions of biometric identifiers — such as voiceprints and facial geometry — through applications like Google Photos and Google Assistant. These actions were deemed by the state as a violation of user privacy rights.
José Castañeda, a spokesperson for Google, stated that the settlement covers a number of “old claims,” many of which correspond to practices and policies that the company has since revised. “We are glad to resolve these disputes and are committed to continuing to enhance privacy controls in our services,” he declared. The spokesperson also noted that the agreement does not require any modifications to Google’s current products.
The settlement is noted as the largest secured by a state in a case addressing privacy infringements of this nature. This agreement adds to Texas’ track record, which includes previous settlements, such as a $700 million agreement last December with Google resolving issues related to anti-competitive practices concerning its Android app store.
Additionally, the technology sector has seen similar actions taken against other major companies; Meta, for instance, agreed to a $1.4 billion settlement over accusations involving the unauthorized use of biometric data, marking a significant stance by Texas in holding tech giants accountable for privacy violations.