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If you’ve been using an Android device since 2017, you might be eligible for a share of a $135 million class action settlement. This settlement arises from a legal dispute involving Google, which is accused of collecting various types of information from Android devices without user permission, thereby using up cellular data.
While Google has not admitted to any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to the settlement. Previously, a lawsuit that involved only California residents concluded with a $350 million settlement.
Some affected individuals have reported receiving notifications via email—sometimes ending up in spam folders—informing them of their eligibility for the settlement.
According to the settlement administrators, to be eligible, you must have been a U.S. resident who used an Android device with a cellular plan from a mobile carrier at any point since November 12, 2017. Those who were part of the California-only settlement, however, are not eligible for this current settlement.
To qualify, settlement administrators say you must be a U.S. resident who used an Android mobile device with a cellular data plan from a mobile carrier at any time since November 12, 2017. You do not qualify if you were among the class members of the aforementioned California settlement.
It’s estimated that there are 100 million people who may qualify for this settlement, which still requires court approval. According to the settlement site, administrators aim to pay each qualifying member the same amount from the $135 million fund.
That could work out to slightly more than $1 per claimant, since the settlement fund is also used for notice and administration costs, taxes, and other fees approved by the court. Should there be any leftover funds, the administrators say they would send payments to members who were previously paid, up to $100 per person.
To receive payment, you’ll need to use the notice ID and confirmation code you received via email to complete a payment election form online. If you fail to select your preferred payment method, administrators say they will still attempt to send you a payment, “but you run the risk of not receiving a payment … if those attempts are unsuccessful.”
If you would like not to receive a payment, you can opt out. You have until May 29 to do so.
A final approval hearing in this case is set for June 23.