Google Settles Israeli Class Actions Over Location Data for $2.3 Million
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Google has agreed to pay approximately 8.3 million shekels (about $2.3 million) to settle two class-action lawsuits in Israel concerning the collection of user location data. The lawsuits alleged that the company continued tracking users even after location services were disabled. The settlement funds will support privacy protection initiatives in Israel, and Google will enhance its user data collection disclosures.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Google will pay 8.3 million shekels to settle two class-action lawsuits in Israel.
- The lawsuits alleged Google tracked user location data for advertising purposes.
- Settlement funds will be used to advance privacy protection in Israel.
- Google did not admit liability in the settlement.
- The company will improve user notifications about data collection practices.
The Tel Aviv District Court approved on Tuesday, October 6, settlement agreements for two class-action lawsuits against Google, totaling approximately 8.3 million shekels (about $2.3 million). The lawsuits, filed in 2017 and 2022, alleged that Google continued to track user location data on Android and iOS devices for advertising and commercial purposes, even after users had disabled geolocation services or location history.
Judge Rachel Barkai approved the mediated settlements. Each lawsuit will receive approximately 4 million shekels from the settlement fund. These funds will be directed towards developing privacy protection initiatives in Israel. Google did not admit any liability as part of the agreement.
In addition to the financial settlement, Google has committed to providing users with more detailed information regarding data collection practices. This includes sending email notifications, displaying banners, and providing links to explanations. Some of these measures have already been implemented in Israel and the United States.
