Google to Pay Texas $1.4 Billion to Settle Claims Over Unauthorized User Data Collection
In a landmark legal settlement, Google has agreed to pay the state of Texas $1.4 billion to resolve allegations that the tech giant unlawfully collected and stored biometric data from millions of users without their informed consent. The settlement, one of the largest privacy-related payouts in U.S. history, highlights growing scrutiny over how major technology firms handle personal data.
The lawsuit, originally filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, accused Google of violating the state’s Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI Act), which prohibits companies from collecting facial and voice recognition data without explicit permission. According to court documents, Google’s services—including Google Photos, Google Assistant, and Nest smart home devices—were used to collect sensitive biometric information without adequately notifying users or seeking their approval.
“Google has been systematically and surreptitiously capturing Texans’ biometric data for its own commercial gain,” said Paxton in a statement. “This historic settlement sends a clear message: even the largest tech companies must respect our laws and our citizens’ privacy.”
Impact and Industry Ramifications
The agreement requires Google to not only pay the $1.4 billion fine but also to implement new privacy safeguards. These include clearer user notifications, more robust consent protocols, and increased transparency regarding how biometric data is collected, stored, and used. The company must also undergo annual audits to ensure compliance with Texas law.
In response to the settlement, a Google spokesperson stated, “We strongly disagree with the characterization of our practices, but we’re pleased to resolve this matter and will continue to work toward improved transparency and user trust.”
The case is part of a broader wave of regulatory action across the United States targeting big tech’s data practices. Just last year, Meta (formerly Facebook) settled a similar biometric privacy lawsuit in Illinois for $650 million. The Texas settlement with Google, however, dwarfs those figures and may serve as a precedent for future state-level enforcement.
Privacy Advocates Applaud the Outcome
Digital privacy advocates have praised the Texas Attorney General’s office for holding a major corporation accountable. “This settlement is a turning point,” said Sara Collins, a senior policy analyst with the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC). “It sends a powerful signal that biometric privacy laws are not just symbolic—they carry real consequences.”
Still, critics argue that monetary penalties, even at this scale, may not be enough to deter companies whose revenue runs into hundreds of billions. They call for stricter federal legislation that uniformly governs data collection across all 50 states.
Looking Ahead
The Google settlement is expected to embolden other states to pursue similar claims, particularly as consumer awareness of digital privacy rights continues to grow. With biometric technology becoming increasingly common in consumer devices and platforms, legal experts predict that litigation in this space will only intensify.
Source : Swifteradio.com
