Google might owe you some money due to a class-action lawsuit about how it handled recordings from its devices. The company agreed to pay $68 million after allegations that it recorded conversations without permission when its assistant was activated incorrectly. This issue was brought to light by a 2019 report from VRT NWS. The money is meant to settle concerns about privacy violations related to the Google Assistant.
The lawsuit claims that Google recorded private conversations without users’ consent. These accidental recordings, referred to as “False Accepts,” occurred when the Assistant was activated by someone who shouldn’t have been using it, including children. Workers analyzing these audio clips reported hearing sensitive information, raising serious privacy concerns.
Additionally, the lawsuit mentions that information from these recordings might have been sent to third parties for ads, which Google denies. They maintain that they haven’t done anything wrong, even as they work to settle the case.
If the settlement goes through, people with Google accounts linked to devices that had the Assistant since 2016 can receive payouts. This includes devices like Pixel phones and Google Home speakers. Eligible users could get between $18 to $56 based on their device purchases, while those with access to a recording could receive $2 to $10.
This case taps into a larger conversation about privacy in our tech-filled lives. Experts often underline that as smart devices become more common, users need to be aware of what data they share. According to a 2023 survey from Pew Research, about 81% of Americans feel the potential risks of sharing personal data with tech companies outweigh the benefits.
This isn’t the first time distrust in tech companies has made headlines. In the early 2000s, privacy concerns surged over social media platforms. Today, we face similar challenges as technology evolves. The question remains: how do we balance convenience with privacy?
With the Google Assistant case, users now have the chance to address past grievances. It underscores the importance of awareness and regulation in a digital landscape where our voices might be recorded without our knowledge.
For further details on the lawsuit, you can check out Reuters and the official lawsuit site.
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Google,Google Assistant,News,Privacy,Tech
