Google Settles Texas Privacy Lawsuits with $1.375 Billion Payment

Google has agreed to pay the state of Texas a substantial settlement of $1.375 billion to resolve two lawsuits alleging unauthorized tracking of users’ personal data. These lawsuits, initiated by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2022, accused Google of secretly monitoring users’ location, incognito search activities, and biometric data including voiceprints and facial geometry without explicit permission.

This settlement is notable as it represents the highest financial recovery against Google by any state attorney general related to privacy law enforcement. It follows a similar $1.375 billion settlement by Meta, Facebook’s parent company, for facial recognition privacy violations in Texas last year.

Attorney General Paxton emphasized the significance of the case, stating, "In Texas, Big Tech is not above the law. For years, Google secretly tracked people’s movements, private searches, and even their voiceprints and facial geometry through their products and services. I fought back and won."

Google, while agreeing to the settlement, did not admit any wrongdoing or liability and will not be required to alter its products. A company spokesperson noted that many of the claims were based on older product policies that have since been changed. Google also highlighted earlier legal victories, including an appeals court ruling that challenged Texas’ jurisdiction over the company.

The lawsuits and settlement come amid broader scrutiny of Google’s business practices, including antitrust rulings that found the company illegally maintained monopolies in web search and advertising technologies. Proposed remedies in those cases include divestment of the Chrome browser, which Google plans to appeal.

This case underscores the increasing regulatory pressure on Big Tech companies to uphold user privacy and comply with state and federal laws. It also highlights the growing importance of transparent data practices and robust privacy controls in technology products and services.

Implications for Businesses and Developers

For businesses and developers, this settlement serves as a critical reminder to prioritize privacy compliance and transparent data handling. Integrating privacy-by-design principles and ensuring clear user consent mechanisms can mitigate legal risks and build consumer trust.

Moreover, staying informed about evolving privacy regulations and enforcement trends is essential for maintaining competitive advantage and avoiding costly settlements or penalties.

Conclusion

The $1.375 billion settlement between Google and the state of Texas marks a landmark moment in privacy enforcement against Big Tech. It signals a growing willingness among regulators to hold companies accountable for unauthorized data practices. As privacy concerns continue to shape the technology landscape, companies must adopt transparent, user-centric data policies to foster trust and comply with legal standards.