Google Agrees to Pay $68 Million to Settle Voice Assistant Eavesdropping Lawsuit
The lawsuit was brought by Google device owners who claimed their conversations were recorded even when they did not say activation phrases like “Hey Google” or “OK Google.” According to plaintiffs, these so-called “false accepts” caused Google Assistant to activate unintentionally, capturing sensitive conversations about finances, work, and personal decisions.
Google has agreed to pay $68 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its Google Assistant was allegedly eavesdropping on and illegally recording private conversations without users’ consent and sharing the data with advertisers. The preliminary settlement was filed on January 23 in federal court in San Jose, California, and now awaits approval from U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman.
The case adds to mounting scrutiny over how major technology companies collect, store, and monetize user data—especially through always-on voice assistants embedded in smartphones, smart speakers, and home devices.
What the Lawsuit Alleged
The lawsuit was brought by Google device owners who claimed their conversations were recorded by the voice assistant even when they did not say activation phrases like “Hey Google” or “OK Google.” According to plaintiffs, these so-called “false accepts” caused Google Assistant to activate unintentionally, capturing sensitive conversations about finances, work, and personal decisions.
Plaintiffs further alleged that snippets of these Google voice assistant recordings were later used to deliver targeted advertising, raising serious privacy and consumer protection concerns. Google has consistently maintained that Assistant is designed to record audio only after hearing a wake word, but denied wrongdoing while agreeing to settle to avoid prolonged litigation.
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How the $68 Million Settlement Works
If approved, Google will place $68 million into a settlement fund to compensate affected users, cover administrative costs, and pay attorneys’ fees. Consumers will be allowed to submit claims for up to three Google devices, although individual payouts will depend on the number of claims filed.
Legal filings indicate that plaintiffs’ attorneys may seek up to one-third of the settlement fund, or roughly $22.7 million, in legal fees. Alphabet-owned Google declined to comment on the settlement following its filing.
The settlement applies to users whose conversations may have been recorded due to false activations dating back to May 18, 2016, according to court documents.
Part of a Bigger Tech Privacy Reckoning
Google’s agreement mirrors a similar case involving Apple’s Siri, which resulted in a $95 million settlement finalized in late 2024. Apple device owners are currently receiving payouts ranging from about $8 to $40 per person, depending on eligibility and claims volume.
Together, these cases underscore a broader reckoning for Big Tech over voice-enabled devices that are always listening for commands. While companies argue the technology is essential for convenience and accessibility, critics say it poses inherent risks to privacy.
What This Means for Users
For consumers, the settlement may offer modest compensation, but its larger significance lies in accountability. As smart voice assistants become more deeply integrated into daily life, regulators, courts, and users are demanding stronger safeguards and clearer consent standards.
Whether this settlement leads to stricter design changes or regulatory oversight remains to be seen. For now, Google’s $68 million payout serves as another reminder that in the age of smart devices, privacy comes at a premium.
