Google's Unprecedented $1.375 Billion Settlement with Texas over Privacy Violations

TL;DR

Google has settled with Texas for $1.375 billion over allegations of unauthorized user tracking and biometric data collection without consent. This historic settlement underscores the growing importance of data privacy and regulatory compliance in the tech industry.

Main Content

Google’s Landmark Settlement with Texas

Google has agreed to pay the U.S. state of Texas nearly $1.4 billion to resolve two lawsuits accusing the tech giant of tracking users’ personal location data and maintaining facial recognition data without user consent. This settlement, amounting to $1.375 billion, surpasses previous fines Google has paid in similar cases¹.

Context and Implications

The substantial payment highlights the increasing scrutiny on tech companies regarding user privacy and data protection. In November 2022, Google settled a similar lawsuit with a group of 40 states for $391 million. The Texas settlement sets a new precedent, emphasizing the importance of regulatory compliance and user consent in data collection practices.

Importance of Data Privacy

This case underscores the growing concern over data privacy and the need for stricter regulations to protect user information. As technology advances, ensuring that user data is collected and used ethically becomes increasingly critical. The settlement serves as a reminder for tech companies to prioritize user consent and transparency in their data practices.

Conclusion

The $1.375 billion settlement between Google and Texas marks a significant milestone in data privacy regulation. As the tech industry continues to evolve, this case emphasizes the importance of user consent and ethical data practices. The outcome of this settlement may influence future regulatory actions and reinforce the need for stricter data protection measures.

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References

1. The Hacker News (2025). “Google Pays $1.375 Billion to Texas Over Unauthorized Tracking and Biometric Data Collection”. The Hacker News. Retrieved 2025-05-10. ↩︎