Google agreed to a $135 million settlement in a class action lawsuit, which claims Android devices transferred information to the company without users' consent, causing smartphones to consume users' data without their knowledge.
The lawsuit argued that Google caused devices to send "a variety of information" even when users weren't actively using its apps.
"[Google] designed the Android operating system to collect vast amounts of information about users, which Google uses to generate billions in profit annually by selling targeted digital advertisements," the suit reads. "There are privacy implications for an operating system specifically designed to surveil mobile device users in order to refine Google's targeted advertising business."
Google has denied the accusations but agreed to the settlement.
"We are pleased to resolve this case, which mischaracterized standard industry practices that keep Android safe," Google spokesperson José Castañeda said in an email to USA Today.
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People may qualify for a payment if they used an Android device with a cellular data plan to access the internet at any time from Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, through the date the settlement receives final approval. Payments are expected to be capped at $100 per person.
Consumers have until Friday, May 29, to opt out or object to the settlement, while a final approval hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23.
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