Tech giant Google to settle Texas accusations for $1.4 billion, alleged unauthorized data collection and tracking of private user information.
Hangin' with Google: Texas scores big in data privacy fight, tech behemoth pays $1.4B
Google, the multi-billion-dollar tech giant, is splashing some serious cash - to the tune of $1.4 billion - to seal a deal with Texas, according to Senior Managing Director at Evercore ISI, Mark Mahaney. Proclaimed as the largest data privacy settlement ever won by a state, this hefty fine comes after accusations that Google swiped private data from its users without their consent, as per Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Say goodbye to that dough, Google!
Paxton didn't hold back, declaring that this settlement sends a hard-hitting message to tech companies: "Piss off our privacy, and our wallets will open - big time!" He further emphasized that the deal serves as a major win for the Texans' privacy rights, standing up to companies that "profit off selling away our rights and freedoms."
So, what's the beef?
According to Paxton, Google had been sneakily tracking users' movements, online searches, and even voiceprint and face geometry data through various services like Google Photos and Google Assistant. These allegations were part of a 2022 lawsuit filed by Texas over geolocation, incognito searches, and biometric data violations.
But wait, there's more!
Google confirmed the agreement, mentioning that it covers "old claims," including some policy matters that the company has already rectified. The company vehemently assured that the settlement would not instigate any further changes in their products.
José Castañeda, Google spokesperson, asserted that the company is "pleased to put these matters behind us." They vowed to keep on building robust privacy controls into their services.
Now, let's dive deeper...
Google's latest juicy settlement follows a series of firm actions taken by the Texas Attorney General to hold Big Tech accountable on data privacy matters. Previously, Texas socked away a $1.4 billion settlement from Meta over claims of facial recognition software misuse. Don't forget those earlier tussles with Google too, with alleged anticompetitive and deceptive practices in the mix.
It's clear that Texas is turning up the heat on tech companies and making it known they'll make 'em pay if they step out of line. Let's see what the next chapter brings for Google's data privacy escapades.
Stay tuned as we pore over more details about this astronomical settlement, keeping you in the loop with all things tech!
[1] Big Tech in the Hot Seat: Google Slapped with Record Data Privacy Settlement by Texas
[2] Texas secures historic $1.4 billion settlement from Google for privacy violations
[3] Texas v. Google: Data Privacy Settlement Could Set Precedent for State Actions Against Tech Companies
[4] Google to pay record $1.4 billion in Texas data privacy settlement
- The record-breaking $1.4 billion settlement between Google and Texas is not only the largest data privacy settlement ever won by a state, but it also sends a stern message to tech companies, warning them that violating users' privacy can lead to heavy financial penalties.
- In the ongoing battle for data privacy, Texas' victory against Google, marking the tech giant's agreement to pay $1.4 billion, underscores the growing importance of technology regulation in protecting users' personal information.
