Google to Pay $425M in Privacy Breach Verdict

Google is obliged to pay $425 million after a federal jury found the tech giant violated privacy agreements by collecting data from users who opted out of tracking. The jury identified Google as liable for privacy violations but found no malice involvement, opting out of punitive damages.

The class action initiated in July 2020, involved allegations that Google continued data collection through apps like Uber and Instagram, despite disabled settings. Google argued the data was nonpersonal and secured, claiming lack of association with user identities.

U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg certified the suit for millions of users and devices, marking another chapter in Google's ongoing privacy legal challenges. Attorney David Boies commended the favorable verdict, with Google intending to appeal the ruling.

(With inputs from agencies.)