If you used Google Assistant or purchased a Google-made device in the United States, you may be eligible for a cash payment from a $68 million class action settlement.
Why Did This Lawsuit Happen?
The lawsuit alleges that Google Assistant sometimes activated without users intentionally saying a wake phrase like “OK, Google” or “Hey, Google.”
According to the plaintiffs, these “False Accept” activations allowed Google Assistant to record users’ communications without their intent. The lawsuit further alleges that Google collected, used and, in some cases, disclosed these recordings to third-party review vendors, violating users’ privacy rights and Google’s own privacy policies.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
You may qualify if you are part of either of these settlement classes.
Purchaser Settlement Class
You may qualify if you:
- Purchased a Google-made device in the United States or its territories
- Purchased it between May 18, 2016, and March 19, 2026
Privacy Settlement Class
You may qualify if:
- You were a Google Assistant user, or a member of a user’s household,
- Between May 18, 2016, and March 19, 2026, and
- Your communications were recorded or otherwise obtained by Google Assistant because of a False Accept, or were disclosed to a third-party review vendor.
How Much Can You Receive?
The settlement creates a $68 million fund for eligible class members.
Payment amounts will depend on:
- The number of valid claims submitted
- Your eligible settlement class
- The points assigned under the settlement
According to class counsel at the time the settlement was reached:
- Eligible Google-made device purchasers could receive approximately $18 to $56 per eligible device
- Privacy-only class members could receive approximately $2 to $10
Actual payment amounts may vary depending on the total number of approved claims.
If funds remain after the initial distribution and redistribution is feasible, remaining money may be redistributed to claimants who cashed their initial payments.
Your Options
| Option | Deadline | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Submit a Claim | August 27, 2026 | File a valid claim to receive a settlement payment. This is the only way to receive money. |
| Rejoin the Settlement | August 27, 2026 | If you opted out of the litigation by September 9, 2024, you may rejoin by filing a claim. |
| Exclude Yourself | August 27, 2026 | Receive no payment but keep your right to pursue your own lawsuit regarding these claims. |
| Object to the Settlement | August 27, 2026 | Tell the Court if you disagree with the settlement terms. |
| Attend the Final Hearing | October 1, 2026 | You may ask to speak at the final approval hearing if you provide timely notice of your intent to appear. |
| Do Nothing | No deadline | You will receive no payment and will give up your right to sue Google over the claims resolved by this settlement. |
How to File a Claim?
To receive a payment:
- Complete the online Claim Form or mail a paper Claim Form.
- Submit your claim by August 27, 2026.
- If requested, provide your Unique ID and PIN from your settlement notice.
- For Google-made device claims, supporting documentation may include:
- Order confirmation from the Google Store
- Google account purchase history
- Credit card or bank statements
- Retail purchase receipts
Claims must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for payment.
If you purchased a Google-made device or believe Google Assistant recorded your communications after a False Accept, you may qualify for a payment from this $68 million privacy settlement.
Remember, you must submit a valid claim by August 27, 2026 to receive settlement benefits.
