Google’s Settlement with Texas, and agreed to pay $1.375 billion to the state of Texas to settle lawsuits concerning unauthorized user tracking and the collection of biometric data.
“In Texas, Big Tech is not above the law. For years, Google secretly tracked people’s movements, private searches, and even their voiceprints and facial geometry through their products and services. I fought back and won,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This $1.375 billion settlement is a major win for Texans’ privacy and tells companies that they will pay for abusing our trust. I will always protect Texans by stopping Big Tech’s attempts to make a profit by selling away our rights and freedoms.”, said Attorney General Ken Paxton.
- Allegations Against Google: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated that Google secretly tracked users’ movements, private searches, and collected voiceprints and biometric data without consent.
- Similar Lawsuits: Google faced similar lawsuits from other states, including a previous settlement of $391 million with 40 states in November 2022.
- Meta’s Settlement: Meta also paid $1.4 billion settlement for the State of Texas with Meta (formerly Facebook) for unlawfully collecting and using facial recognition data—the largest settlement ever obtained from an action brought by a single State.
Google’s $1.375 billion settlement with Texas marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle for digital privacy rights. It serves as a stark reminder that companies handling vast amounts of user data must prioritize transparency and obtain explicit consent, or face potentially enormous financial and reputational consequences. The parallel settlement with Meta further emphasizes Texas’ commitment to safeguarding the privacy of its citizens in the digital age.
