Google and its parent company, Alphabet, have agreed to pay $68 million to settle a class-action lawsuit.

The lawsuit claimed that Google Assistant accidentally recorded people’s private conversations without their permission after mistakenly thinking it heard a wake phrase like "Hey Google" (known as a "False Accept").

While Google denies doing anything wrong, the company agreed to the settlement to avoid a lengthy and costly trial. Here is a straightforward breakdown of who is eligible, how much money you might receive, and what steps you need to take before the deadline.
 

Who Qualifies for the Settlement?

You may be eligible if you live in the United States or its territories and meet the criteria for either of these two groups between May 18, 2016, and March 19, 2026:

• Device Buyers (Purchaser Class): You purchased a Google-made device, such as a Google Pixel phone, Google Home speaker, Nest device, or Pixel tablet. Parents or legal guardians can also submit claims on behalf of children.
• Google Assistant Users (Privacy Class): You used Google Assistant (or lived with someone who did), and your conversations were recorded after a accidental wake-up or were shared with third-party reviewers.

 

How Much Money Could You Get?

The actual payment amount depends on how many people submit valid claims. The settlement uses a point-based system to split the money:

• Device Owners: Estimated $18 to $56 per device (you can claim up to 3 devices).
• Privacy-Only Claimants: Estimated $2 to $10 total.

 

How to Submit a Claim

To get paid, you must submit a claim online or by mail by August 27, 2026.

1. Check Your Email: Many eligible users received an official email titled Google Assistant Privacy Litigation Settlement, which contains a unique ID and PIN to log in.
2. File Online: If you did not receive an email, you can still request credentials and apply directly through the official Google Assistant Privacy Settlement Website.
3. Gather Proof of Purchase (If Applicable): If you are claiming money for buying a device, you may need a Google Store confirmation email, credit card statement, account purchase history, or retail receipt.

 

Important Next Steps and Dates

 

• Deadline to File: Submit your claim by August 27, 2026.
• Court Hearing: A judge will decide whether to give final approval to the settlement on October 1, 2026. Payments will be distributed after the court grants final approval.
• Doing Nothing: If you choose not to submit a claim, you will not receive any money and you give up your right to sue Google individually over these privacy concerns in the future.

-

Need more legal guides? Check out the articles here.