$68M Google Assistant privacy class action settlement

Google LLC and its parent company Alphabet Inc. have agreed to a $68 million class action settlement to resolve claims that Google Assistant recorded user communications without intentional activation, in violation of users’ privacy rights and Google’s own privacy policies.

The Google Assistant settlement benefits individuals who, between May 18, 2016, and March 19, 2026, either purchased a Google-made device in the United States or its territories, or whose communications were recorded or obtained by Google Assistant as a result of a false activation — known as a “False Accept” — or were disclosed to a third-party review vendor.

According to one consolidated class action lawsuit, Google Assistant can activate and record audio even when a user has not intentionally triggered it with a hot word, such as “OK, Google” or “Hey, Google.” Plaintiffs allege that Google wrongfully collected, used and shared these recordings, including to improve its speech recognition technology, constituting a breach of users’ privacy rights and Google’s stated privacy policies.

Google, as a multinational technology company, offers a wide range of consumer products and services, including smart home speakers, smart displays and Pixel smartphones, all of which can run Google Assistant.

Google has not admitted any wrongdoing but has agreed to pay $68 million into a settlement fund to resolve the privacy class action lawsuit.

Under the terms of the Google Assistant class action settlement, eligible class members can receive a cash payment. The exact payment amount per claimant will depend on the total number of valid claims filed and the points allocated per claim, with device purchasers receiving up to four points per eligible device and privacy class members receiving one point.

According to class counsel at the time of the settlement, device purchasers could receive approximately $18 to $56 per device, while “privacy-only” class members, or those whose conversations were recorded but who did not purchase a device, could receive between $2 and $10, depending on participation rates.

The settlement also provides that any funds remaining after initial distribution will, where feasible, be redistributed to claimants who cashed their initial payment. If redistribution is not feasible, remaining funds will go to a court-approved nonprofit organization.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Aug. 27, 2026.

The final approval hearing for the Google Assistant settlement is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2026.

To receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form. The deadline to file a claim is Aug. 27, 2026.

Who’s Eligible

The class action settlement benefits those who purchased a Google-made device between May 18, 2016, and March 19, 2026, or had communications recorded or otherwise obtained by Google Assistant as a result of a false accept or disclosed to a third-party review vendor.

Potential Award

An estimated $2 to $56 depending on the type of class.

Proof of Purchase

Your Unique ID and PIN number received via a settlement email. For Google-made devices, documentation may include an order confirmation email from Google Store, Google account purchase history, credit card or bank statements or retail receipts.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

08/27/2026

Case Name

In re Google Assistant Privacy Litigation, Case No. 4:19-cv-04286, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California

Final Hearing

10/01/2026

Settlement Website

GoogleAssistantPrivacyLitigation.com

Claims Administrator

Google Assistant Privacy Settlement
c/o A.B. Data Ltd.
P.O. Box 170500
Milwaukee, WI 53217
[email protected]
877-411-4704

Class Counsel

Erin Green Comite
SCOTT+SCOTT ATTORNEYS AT LAW LLP

Christian Levis
LOWEY DANNENBERG

Defense Counsel

Bobbie J. Wilson
Sunita Bali
Elliott J. Joh
Erin K. Earl
PERKINS COIE LLP