“You Turned Off Tracking. Google Kept Watching Anyway.”
A California federal jury has ordered Google to pay $425,651,947 after finding it unlawfully collected app-activity data from users who asked not to be tracked via Google’s Web & App Activity (WAA) and Supplemental Web & App Activity (sWAA) settings. The case covers about 98 million users and activities between July 2016 and September 2024.
What This Case Is About
Plaintiffs said that even with WAA or sWAA turned off/paused, Google still received data about what people did inside third-party apps (for example, apps using Google’s SDKs for analytics/ads). The jury agreed that the collection invaded users’ privacy. Google argues the data wasn’t tied to identities and that its products honor privacy controls. An appeal is expected.
Who May Be Included
- U.S. device users whose Web & App Activity and/or Supplemental WAA were off/paused at any time July 1, 2016–Sept. 23, 2024.
- Whose app-activity data from non-Google apps was still transmitted to Google during that period.
- Android and non-Android users may be included (class scope described on the official case site).
Why It Matters
When privacy switches don’t work as expected, trust breaks. For many, this wasn’t just “technical”—it was personal: routines, interests, and habits exposed after they actively said “no.”
What You Could Receive
The jury awarded more than $425 million in compensatory damages for the classes. Individual compensation depends on final court orders, claims administration, and how many valid claims are submitted after any appeals.
How to Protect Your Rights (Simple Steps)
- Visit the official case website: GoogleWebAppActivityLawsuit.com. Review the FAQs and note any deadlines that apply to you.
- Collect proof (if you have it): screenshots showing WAA/sWAA turned off, app-settings logs, emails/notices, or other records.
- Watch for official notices: class notices and claim instructions will be provided on the official site or by the Notice Administrator.
- Avoid scams: filing is free through the court-approved portal. Do not pay third parties.
Official Links & Contacts
Notice Administrator (per official site): toll-free 1-855-822-8821 • Mailing: Rodriguez v. Google, P.O. Box 2749, Portland, OR 97208-2749.
Case Snapshot
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case | Rodriguez, et al. v. Google LLC, No. 3:20-cv-04688 (N.D. Cal.) |
| Core Allegation | Google collected app-activity data from users who had WAA/sWAA turned off/paused. |
| Covered Period | July 1, 2016 – September 23, 2024 (per official FAQ). |
| Verdict | $425,651,947 compensatory damages (no punitive damages). |
| Status | Google plans to appeal; watch the official site for updates on any claims process. |
| Official Site | GoogleWebAppActivityLawsuit.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible?
If you turned WAA/sWAA off or paused between July 2016 and Sept. 2024 and your app activity was still sent to Google, you may be in the class. Check the official site for definitions and updates.
How much will I get?
It depends on court orders, appeals, and how many valid claims are submitted. The total verdict is about $425.7M across the classes; individual amounts will vary.
How do I prove my claim?
Keep screenshots of WAA/sWAA settings, app logs or notices, and any other records. If you lack documents, you may still be able to file—follow the official instructions.
Where do I file?
File only through the official case website once the claims process is posted. Do not pay anyone to file for you.
📄 Sample Claim Form (Template)
This is a template only to help you prepare. The official claim form will be available at GoogleWebAppActivityLawsuit.com once claims open. Do not mail this draft—wait for the court-approved filing instructions.
Editor’s note: Reporting on the verdict and case details can be found at Reuters, Bloomberg Law, and the official case website GoogleWebAppActivityLawsuit.com.
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