Google has agreed to pay a hefty sum of $68 million to settle a lawsuit that claims its voice-activated assistant was invading the privacy of smartphone users. The company, which operates under Alphabet Inc., is accused of illicitly recording and disseminating private conversations after being triggered by users' hot words.
The issue at hand revolves around "false accepts," where Google Assistant misinterpreted what users said as "hot words" like "Hey Google" or "OK Google." This resulted in targeted advertising being sent to users, which they deemed intrusive. Smartphone users took this matter to court, alleging that their right to privacy was violated.
Google denied any wrongdoing but ultimately settled the case to avoid the costs and uncertainty of a prolonged litigation process. The Mountain View-based company declined to comment on Monday. Under the settlement, individuals who purchased Google devices or were affected by false accepts since May 18, 2016, are eligible for compensation.
It's worth noting that Apple recently reached a similar $95 million settlement with smartphone users last year. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs may seek up to one-third of the settlement fund, which amounts to approximately $22.7 million, for their legal fees. The decision comes as Google continues to refine its voice assistant technology and strengthen user trust.
The issue at hand revolves around "false accepts," where Google Assistant misinterpreted what users said as "hot words" like "Hey Google" or "OK Google." This resulted in targeted advertising being sent to users, which they deemed intrusive. Smartphone users took this matter to court, alleging that their right to privacy was violated.
Google denied any wrongdoing but ultimately settled the case to avoid the costs and uncertainty of a prolonged litigation process. The Mountain View-based company declined to comment on Monday. Under the settlement, individuals who purchased Google devices or were affected by false accepts since May 18, 2016, are eligible for compensation.
It's worth noting that Apple recently reached a similar $95 million settlement with smartphone users last year. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs may seek up to one-third of the settlement fund, which amounts to approximately $22.7 million, for their legal fees. The decision comes as Google continues to refine its voice assistant technology and strengthen user trust.
. I mean, they knew they were in the wrong somehow. It's crazy how our conversations can be turned into targeted ads just because of how we say something 
. I guess it's good that they're finally acknowledging some responsibility and trying to make things right 
.
. It's more about the fact that Google's algorithm is just too picky and can be triggered by, well, anything 
. I mean, who hasn't said something like "Hey Google" in a conversation? 
. And yeah, the lawyers are gonna get some nice paychecks out of this one 
. Guess you could say justice was served...or at least a pretty hefty check came their way 
like google was literally sneaking around listening to our private conversations and sending us creepy ads 
ugh that's just so messed up 
anyway i guess they settled the case because who wants all that drama and stress 
and now people can finally get some compensation 
but yeah google needs to step up their game when it comes to user privacy 
gotta keep those hot words secure 
!! I know some people were totally freaked out about it, but I mean Google was probably just trying to learn from its mistakes 
. And I'm curious, are we gonna see more changes in their voice assistant technology now that they're taking responsibility for this issue 
?
$68 million is basically a drop in the bucket when you think about all the times Google's Assistant has been recording our private conversations without asking 
. I mean, who hasn't yelled "Hey Google" at their phone to get some info, only to have it play back and be all like "oh no, you said something hot"? 
Not fun. And now we're supposed to trust that they've fixed the whole problem? 
and I gotta say, I'm shocked that it took this long to settle 
. But $68 million is a pretty penny 
it's all about user trust now. and btw apple just set the bar higher w/ a 95 mil settlement 
. It's a good start, but I want to see more transparency and accountability from these companies 
But on the other hand, $22.7 million for lawyers' fees is pretty steep, don't you think? 
anywayz i feel bad 4 ppl whos private info got leaked thru ther assistant... hope they get some decent compensation