Trends
Texas wins $1.38B Google deal
Texas settles with Google for $1.38B over user data collection through Incognito, Location History, and biometric tools.
Headline
Texas settles with Google for $1.38B over user data collection through Incognito, Location History, and biometric tools.
Context
On 9 May 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a $1.375 billion settlement with Google. This ends two lawsuits that alleged the company broke consumer protection laws. These claims involved Google’s handling of user data in Incognito mode, Location History, and biometric tracking. According to Paxton , Google continued to collect user location and browsing data even when users believed tracking was off. The lawsuits also raised concerns about Google recording facial geometry and voiceprints without consent.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Google did not admit fault. It said the claims were outdated and its data policies have since changed. No changes to products are required as part of the settlement. Texas did not specify how the funds would be used. This is one of the largest state settlements for alleged data misuse. Also read: Arelion expands AI-optimised Texas network Also read: Texas Instruments secures $1.6B for chip manufacturing expansion This settlement highlights growing legal action over user privacy. It shows that states are willing to take strong action when tech firms allegedly misuse data. The size of the fine reflects the seriousness of the claims. The case centres on whether users were properly informed about Google’s tracking. Location History and Incognito mode were both cited as features that misled users. The suit also raised concerns about the collection of biometric data, such as voice and facial recognition.
Key Points
- Deal resolves privacy violation claims.
- Google denies wrongdoing in settlement.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
