Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
Google Chrome Privacy Class Action Lawsuit Overview:
- Who: Google Chrome users have filed a class action lawsuit against Google, LLC.
- Why: Google Chrome users are asking a judge to certify their class action lawsuit alleging Google broke its contract with customers regarding data privacy.
- Where: Nationwide
Six named plaintiffs in the Google Chrome class action lawsuit filed a motion to support certifying the Class on Oct. 14 in a California federal court, saying the proposed Class is “easily certifiable.”
The class action alleges that Google unlawfully collects the personal data of Google Chrome users without enabling the “sync” function, even though it explicitly tells customers it won’t, the class action lawsuit alleges.
They claim that Google promises Chrome users that they don’t need to provide any personal information to use Chrome and that the personal information that Chrome stores won’t be sent to Google unless you turn on “syncing.”
“The default is that Chrome will not send and Google is not permitted to collect users’ personal information unless the user finds the Sync toggle and enables it,” the class action alleges. Thus, no action should be needed for the promised privacy protections to apply.
Google Admits They Collect Data From Chrome Users Who Have Not Enabled Sync, Class Action Lawsuit Claims
However, despite these promises, Google admits that it does collect and use data from Chrome users who have not enabled sync, and that it won’t stop, the lawsuit alleges.
“Instead of ceasing collection or clarifying disclosures, Google argues that its multiple privacy policies, which vaguely disclose data collection, override its specific contractual promises to the contrary,” the plaintiffs say.
They claim the court has already rejected this argument in similar case law. They also point out that Google may argue individual Chrome users cannot complain about data collection if they fail to employ “privacy protections,” such as third-party cookie blockers.
However the plaintiffs don’t agree with this argument.
“This is akin to a thief criticizing the victim for failing to use a second lock. Google’s argument is without merit,” they argue.
The plaintiffs are suing for breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and unfair dealing, intrusion upon seclusion, statutory larceny, violation of the California Unfair Competition Law and violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act.
They’re looking to represent all Google Chrome users in the United States who did not enable “Sync” while browsing the web using Chrome or who disabled “Sync” while browsing using Chrome at any time between July 27, 2016 to the present.
This isn’t the first time Google has faced class action litigation. In 2020, Google agreed to a $7.5 million class action settlement resolving allegations that the now defunct Google+ social networking platform exposed users’ private profile data to third-parties.
Have you used Google without enabling sync, thinking your information was being kept private? What do you think of the claims in this class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiffs are represented by Lesley Weaver, Angelica M. Ornelas and Joshua D. Samra of Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP, David A. Straite, Amy Keller, Adam Prom and Sharon Cruz of DiCello Levitt Gutzler LLC and Jay Barnes, An Truong and Eric Johnson of Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC.
The Google Chrome Privacy Class Action Lawsuit is Patrick Calhoun et al. v. Google LLC, Case No. 5:20-cv-05146, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
- Flickr Photo Plaintiffs Seek Cert in Privacy Class Actions Against Amazon, Google, Microsoft
- NFL App Users Say Personal Info Shared With Google, in Class Action Lawsuit
- Class Action Alleging Google Monopolized Advertising Market Paused by Judge
- Whistleblower To Testify Over Claims Facebook Allowed Hate Speech, Misinformation, On Platform
204 thoughts onGoogle Chrome Users Ask Judge to Certify Class Action Claiming Google Illegally Collects Browser Data
Im always concern about how much info is gathered about my usage and with whom I communicate with. I am always have to change my setting in Chrome and other site
My entire family uses Google Chrome & we never enable sync but sure enough when I log onto my iPad or Mac book it will pull up what I’ve been browsing on my phone & vice versa. It’s the same way with my children & my husband using only android products. Sign us all up
Add me please
Please add me to this class action.I only use Google for everything.I am pretty sure I disabled my sync at one point or another from 2016-now
I use Google everyday count me in too.
Include me
I specifically did not sync first this reason please add my information.
I have a stalker for years. Not knowing chrome has my address. I’ve had to legally let white pages, etc take my personal information for fear of my personal safety. I don’t want Google Chrome to use my data for any reason except to essentially function.
Add me
I have used google chrome for many years and never synced my accounts for the very reason I did not want google to monitor my browser habits and my private information. I would like to hear more about this lawsuit and be a part of it.
Add me
Please add me