Google agrees to compensate Texas with a sum of $1.4 billion to resolve allegations that the tech giant unlawfully gathered users' data without consent.
Quick Scoop: $1.4 Billion Settlement Between Google and Texas
Google is shelling out a whopping $1.4 billion to Texas to settle accusations that it was covertly swiping users' data without permission, claimed the Lone Star State's top Attorney General, Ken Paxton.
Breaking down the deal, Paxton shares that this cash-out is more than just a round peg in a square hole - it signifies a tough message to the tech industry. Alluding that he wouldn't tolerate these companies profiting by violating our privacy rights. His statement read, "In Texas, Big Tech is not above the law."
So, what's the deal really all about? Last year, Paxton raised the red flag against Google for covertly tracking users' locations, private internet searches, even voiceprints, and facial structure through various products and services like Google Photos and Google Assistant.
Google's spokesperson, since they don't like to throw stones when they live in glass houses, reassured that the settlement resolves a handful of dated issues, some of which are related to product policies that the company has already changed.
On a brighter note, the $1.4 billion is the highest amount bid by any state in a privacy settlement with Google. The fact that this record-breaking settlement came without any admission of wrongdoing or substantial product modifications is some food for thought!
Interestingly, Texas wasn't alone in this face-off. Last year, Google entered into a similar $1.4 billion settlement with Meta over allegations that the tech titan had been illicitly using users' biometric data.
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- Seattle's tech industry might take notice of the $1.4 billion settlement agreed by Google, for unlawfully collecting user data in 2021, as it stands as the largest privacy settlement with the company to date.
- This occurrence echoes a similar settlement worth the same amount between Google and Meta in 2021, over allegations of illicitly using users' biometric data.
- As Google and other tech companies continue to grapple with these issues, Seattle-based businesses may need to tighten their data privacy practices to avoid potential legal battles and maintain consumer trust.
- Moreover, Melinda French Gates' contemplation of the Gates Foundation's legacy as it winds down operations in 2045 surely adds to the tech and philanthropy sectors' focus on the landscapes of Seattle and beyond.