On Friday, May 9, 2025, Google agreed to pay $1.375 billion to the state of Texas to settle allegations of violating users' data privacy rights, according to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. This substantial settlement marks a significant victory for the state against the tech giant, following a series of lawsuits that claimed Google unlawfully tracked and collected private data from Texas residents.
Paxton's legal actions against Google began in 2022 when he filed two separate lawsuits alleging the company had engaged in deceptive practices regarding user data. The allegations included improper tracking of users' locations even when they believed they had disabled such features, misleading information about the privacy of the Incognito mode in the Chrome browser, and unauthorized collection of biometric data, including voiceprints and facial geometry, through various Google services.
“In Texas, Big Tech is not above the law,” Paxton declared in a statement following the settlement announcement. “For years, Google secretly tracked people's movements, private searches, and even their voiceprints and facial geometry through their products and services. I fought back and won.” This sentiment reflects a growing sentiment among state officials to hold major technology companies accountable for their data practices.
The settlement amount is particularly noteworthy, as it surpasses any previous settlements obtained by other states against Google for similar privacy violations. In fact, no state has achieved a settlement against Google exceeding $93 million for data privacy issues until now. Paxton's office has been active in pursuing legal actions against tech companies, having secured a $1.4 billion settlement from Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for unauthorized use of biometric data just months before the Google settlement.
While the settlement resolves the lawsuits, it does not require Google to make any changes to its products or services. Google spokesperson José Castañeda emphasized that the company did not admit any wrongdoing or liability in the agreement. “This settles a raft of old claims, many of which have already been resolved elsewhere, concerning product policies we have long since changed,” Castañeda stated. He added, “We are pleased to put them behind us, and we will continue to build robust privacy controls into our services.”
The Texas Attorney General's office did not disclose how the settlement funds would be utilized, leaving some questions unanswered about the impact of the settlement on consumer protection efforts in the state. However, the financial implications are significant, with a portion of the settlement potentially benefiting legal representation firms involved in the case. The law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, which was hired by the attorney general's office, has three contingent-fee contracts with the state for Google litigation. Depending on the contract terms, the firm could receive between $137 million to $371 million from the settlement.
This settlement is part of a broader trend of increasing scrutiny and legal challenges faced by major tech companies regarding their data privacy practices. As consumers become more aware of their digital rights, state officials are stepping up efforts to enforce privacy laws and hold companies accountable for violations.
Paxton's aggressive litigation strategy reflects a commitment to ensuring that technology companies adhere to consumer protection laws. In recent years, the Texas Attorney General's office has successfully negotiated settlements with several major tech firms, highlighting the state's determination to safeguard the privacy rights of its residents.
The implications of the Google settlement extend beyond Texas, as it sets a precedent for other states considering similar legal actions against tech companies. As more states pursue legal avenues to address data privacy concerns, the landscape of digital rights and consumer protection is likely to evolve significantly.
In light of the settlement, experts are urging consumers to remain vigilant about their online privacy and to understand the implications of their digital footprints. With technology playing an increasingly central role in daily life, the balance between innovation and privacy rights continues to be a critical issue.
As the legal battles between states and tech giants unfold, the outcomes will shape the future of data privacy laws and regulations across the country. The Texas settlement with Google serves as a reminder that accountability in the tech industry is becoming a priority for state officials, and consumers can expect continued advocacy for their privacy rights.
In conclusion, the $1.375 billion settlement between Texas and Google represents a landmark moment in the ongoing battle for data privacy. It underscores the importance of holding tech companies accountable for their practices and protecting the rights of consumers in an increasingly digital world.
