Google to Pay 68 Million Dollars in “Secret Recording” Lawsuit

Google has agreed to pay $68 million to resolve a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of secretly recording users through its smart devices without their knowledge or consent. The settlement, which still requires court approval, adds to growing scrutiny of how major technology companies handle user privacy in the age of voice-activated assistants.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Northern California and centers on allegations related to Google Assistant, the company’s widely used voice assistant technology embedded across smartphones, smart speakers, laptops, tablets, and wireless headphones. According to court documents cited by The Hill, plaintiffs argue that Google collected private conversations even when users had not intentionally activated the assistant.

Allegations Focus on Google Assistant Recordings

At the core of the case is the claim that Google Assistant recorded audio outside of its stated activation conditions. Under Google’s published policies, the assistant should only begin recording when users say trigger phrases such as “Hey Google” or “Okay Google,” or when a physical button on the device is pressed.

However, the lawsuit alleges that recordings were made even when those trigger phrases were not used. Plaintiffs argue that this resulted in the capture of sensitive, personal conversations without explicit permission, thereby violating users’ reasonable expectations of privacy.

The filing states that the alleged recordings were not limited to a single device category. Instead, they reportedly involved a broad range of Google products, including Google-branded smartphones, home smart speakers, laptops, tablets, and wireless earbuds. This wide scope raised concerns that the issue was systemic rather than isolated.

Google Chooses Settlement to Avoid Prolonged Legal Risk

Google has not admitted wrongdoing as part of the agreement. Instead, the company stated that it chose to settle in order to avoid the uncertainty, risk, and expense associated with prolonged litigation. In communications surrounding the settlement, Google emphasized that continuing the legal battle could have resulted in significantly higher costs and extended reputational damage.

By agreeing to the $68 million payment, Google aims to bring the case to a close while maintaining its position that its technologies are designed with privacy safeguards. The settlement reflects a strategic decision rather than a legal concession, a common approach in large-scale privacy lawsuits involving major technology firms.

For the agreement to become legally binding, it must be approved by US District Judge Beth Labson Freeman. Judicial approval is required to ensure that the settlement terms are fair, reasonable, and adequate for the class members involved in the lawsuit.

Broader Privacy Debate Around Voice Assistants

The case highlights a broader and ongoing debate about digital privacy, particularly as voice assistants become more deeply integrated into everyday life. Smart devices are now capable of continuously listening for wake words, a feature that critics argue inherently increases the risk of unintended recordings.

While technology companies maintain that such systems rely on automated detection and are not actively “listening” in a human sense, privacy advocates argue that the distinction offers little comfort to users whose private conversations may still be stored, processed, or reviewed.

The lawsuit against Google underscores the growing public awareness of these risks. Consumers are increasingly questioning how much control they truly have over devices that remain powered on and connected at all times.

Apple Faced Similar Claims With Siri Settlement

Google is not alone in facing legal challenges over voice assistant privacy. Earlier this month, another major US technology company, Apple, reached a similar agreement. On January 3, Apple agreed to pay $95 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that its voice assistant, Siri, violated user privacy.

That case similarly claimed that Siri recorded users without proper authorization, leading to the collection of private conversations. Apple, like Google, denied wrongdoing but opted to settle to avoid the risks and costs of extended litigation.

The parallel settlements suggest a broader legal and regulatory trend affecting the technology sector. As voice-enabled devices become ubiquitous, courts are increasingly being asked to define the boundaries of consent, transparency, and responsibility.

Implications for the Tech Industry

The Google settlement may have implications beyond the immediate financial cost. Privacy lawsuits often prompt companies to revisit internal policies, improve transparency disclosures, and strengthen safeguards around data collection. While the settlement does not mandate specific changes, it adds pressure on Google and its peers to demonstrate clearer accountability.

Regulators and lawmakers are also watching closely. High-profile cases involving large payouts can influence future legislation, particularly in consumer data protection and digital consent standards.