What you need to know
- Android users in the US can now begin the process of seeking compensation as Google begins to settle a $135 million data lawsuit.
- Eligible users must have used Android and mobile data between November 2017 and the last date of approval.
- Users can choose payments via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, ACH, or a physical card through the payment website.
- Final payouts are subject to claims and approvals, with an expected minimum of $100 per eligible user.
It’s not every day you get paid by a big tech company, but today might be your lucky day. Android users in the US can now enter their preferred payment method to pay their bills as Google moves closer to settling a $135 million Android data lawsuit.
Google has been facing a class action lawsuit since November 2020, which alleged that the company collected and transferred the mobile data of Android users without proper consent. The lawsuit claimed that Android devices perform “transactive data transfers” in the background, even when the phone is idle, apps are closed, and local services are disabled.
Earlier this year, Google was ordered to pay $135 million to settle the case, and now users can choose how they want to receive their payments. As spotted by ClaimHub24 (via Android Authority), the settlement website is now live, and eligible Android users in the US can submit their preferred payment method.
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To be eligible, you must have used an Android smartphone with cellular data between November 12, 2017, and the date of the last order. Normally, you will need to submit a claim form, but in this case, you can fill out the payment election form directly.
Users can choose to accept their payment via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, ACH, or virtual Mastercard. The website notes that if you do not select a payment method, the Payment Administrator will still attempt to send your payment, but you may be at risk of not receiving it if those attempts fail.
It is also worth noting that California residents are not included in this settlement, as they are covered under a separate $314 million lawsuit.
As for payouts in the $135 million case, the maximum amount is expected to reach $100 per person. However, the final amount will depend on how many people file claims, as well as deductions for administrative costs, taxes, and legal fees.
Remember that you can currently only file your preferred payment method. Actual payments will be processed only after final approval. A final approval hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2026, and payments will only be released if the settlement is approved.
Android Central Take
Free money is always good, but this also highlights how our data is used behind the scenes (and Google still hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing). And, sure, $100 isn’t life-changing, but if you’re eligible, there’s absolutely no reason to skip filling it.