Google has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit for $68 million regarding recordings captured by Google Assistant when triggered by unintended words, not just its designated phrase, ‘Ok Google.’ The issue, exposed by German outlet VRT NWS in 2019, led to allegations of Google’s unlawful recording of confidential communications without consent during ‘False Accepts.’
The lawsuit claimed that human workers analyzing Assistant audio clips overheard personal information and private conversations triggered accidentally or by unauthorized users, such as children.
The settlement, if approved, will compensate individuals whose Google accounts were linked to devices with Google Assistant pre-installed since 2016, like Pixel phones, Google Home devices, and Nest Hub models. Users could receive payouts ranging from $18 to $56, while those affected by unauthorized recordings may be eligible for up to $10.
Source: The Verge