Google Settles at $40 Million in the US Tracking Case

Google settled to pay $39.9 million to Washington State to settle a lawsuit over its location tracking practices. This is the latest in several similar cases brought by authorities in the US.

Alongside the payment, Google signed up to provide measures to become transparent with consumers about the use of data. This includes providing more detail on information collection and ensuring people notice information about location tracking.

The office of the state’s attorney general Bob Ferguson outlined in a statement that the accusations against the company, which included claims it deceptively led consumers to believe that they have control over how Google collects and uses their location data. “In reality, consumers could not effectively prevent Google from collecting, storing, and profiting from their location data,“ it added.

Washington State investigated the issue alongside numerous other states but filed an independent lawsuit against the company rather than pursuing action alongside other parts of the country. Google settled a related case brought by 40 US states for $391.5 million in 2022, having already resolved a previous complaint related to location tracking with Arizona that cost them $85 million.