Texas AG Announces Historic $1.4 Billion Google Settlement
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on Friday a preliminary agreement to settle a significant privacy infringement lawsuit against Google, amounting to $1.4 billion. Paxton characterized the settlement as a "historic win" for the data privacy rights of Texans. Texas filed the lawsuit in 2022, accusing Google of unlawfully tracking and collecting users’ private information, including geolocation, incognito searches, and biometric data.
"This agreement sends a clear message that Big Tech cannot operate above the law," Paxton remarked. He emphasized that for years, Google had secretly tracked various user data. However, the announcement did not specify whether the settlement would compel Google to alter its business practices.
In its response, Google stated the settlement addresses a "raft of old claims" related to policies it has already revised. The company clarified that the agreement does not necessitate an admission of wrongdoing or a change in product practices. "We are pleased to put this behind us, and we will continue to enhance our privacy controls," said Google spokesperson José Castañeda.
The deal marks a second legal victory for Texas against major tech firms, following a similar $1.4 billion settlement last year with Meta, the parent company of Facebook, over unlawful facial recognition practices.
For this case, Paxton enlisted the services of the Norton Rose Fulbright law firm, which operates on a contingent-fee basis. This means they will receive compensation only if Texas achieves a favorable outcome. Depending on the final settlement amount, the law firm stands to earn between $137 million and $371 million.
The Texas Tribune aims to keep Texans informed about public policy, politics, and statewide issues, highlighting ongoing efforts to safeguard citizens’ data privacy rights.
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