Austin, Texas — Google will pay $1.4 billion to the state of Texas, resolving allegations that it unlawfully gathered user data without consent, according to an announcement made by the state’s attorney general on Friday. The settlement emphasizes the commitment to protect user privacy and signals a warning to technology firms that regulatory scrutiny is intensifying.
Attorney General Ken Paxton characterized the agreement as a significant step in holding tech companies accountable. “In Texas, Big Tech is not above the law,” he stated, asserting that Google had secretly tracked users’ activities, including movements and private searches, as well as collecting biometric data such as voiceprints and facial recognition through its various services.
The settlement pertains to multiple claims filed by Texas in 2022, which accused Google of unlawfully tracking and collecting private user information, particularly in relation to geolocation services, incognito browsing, and the handling of biometric data. Paxton highlighted that Google’s actions violated users’ rights to privacy and personal freedoms.
In contrast, Google spokesperson José Castañeda described the settlement as a resolution of older claims, noting that some of the issues addressed had already been amended in the company’s policies. He expressed the company’s desire to move forward, reassuring users of an ongoing commitment to enhancing their privacy protections.
The $1.4 billion payout marks one of the largest settlements involving data privacy violations with a single state, setting a precedent for future cases. Prior to this agreement, Texas had reached two significant settlements with Google within the last two years, including a $700 million deal in December 2023 focused on allegations of anti-competitive practices in its Android app store.
This latest settlement highlights broader concerns over how tech giants manage user data. Following similar legal scrutiny, Meta recently agreed to a $1.4 billion settlement in Texas for using biometric data without user permission. These developments underscore the urgent call for stronger regulations and protections for consumer data amid growing digital reliance.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, tech companies are likely to face increased pressure to prioritize user privacy and transparency in their operations. The Texas settlement serves as a pivotal moment in enforcing accountability in the tech industry, establishing the importance of adhering to privacy standards.