Google will pay a $1.375 billion settlement to Texas over privacy violations

The Verge - May 10th, 2025
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Google has agreed to pay $1.375 billion to settle claims of data privacy violations brought forth by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The lawsuits, filed in 2022, accused Google of unlawfully tracking and collecting users' private data concerning geolocation, incognito searches, and biometric data. This settlement marks a significant victory for Texas, as no other state has previously secured a settlement of this magnitude from Google for similar privacy issues. Google spokesperson José Castañeda stated that the company is pleased to resolve these outdated claims and will continue enhancing privacy controls across its services.

This development highlights the increasing scrutiny and legal challenges tech giants face regarding data privacy. The settlement follows a 2022 agreement where Google paid $391.5 million to 40 states over location tracking allegations. It also comes on the heels of a $1.4 billion settlement by Meta with Texas over facial recognition and photo tagging issues. These cases underline the growing demand for tech companies to ensure transparent and user-consented data practices, potentially prompting further regulatory actions and influencing future privacy standards.

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RATING

8.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate account of the settlement between Google and Texas over data privacy violations. It effectively balances the perspectives of both the Texas Attorney General's office and Google, offering a well-rounded view of the legal proceedings. The use of credible sources, such as official press releases and statements from Google's spokesperson, enhances the article's reliability and transparency.

While the article is clear and accessible to a general audience, it could benefit from additional context and perspectives from independent experts to provide a more nuanced understanding of the broader implications of such settlements. The topic's timeliness and relevance to public interest contribute to the article's engagement potential, making it a valuable piece for readers concerned about data privacy and corporate accountability.

Overall, the article excels in its clarity, accuracy, and balance, providing readers with a factual and informative account of a significant legal development in the tech industry. Its coverage of a high-profile settlement and the ongoing issues of data privacy and regulation ensures that it remains a pertinent and engaging read.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The news story is highly accurate, with most claims supported by verifiable sources and consistent with known facts. The settlement amount of $1.375 billion Google is set to pay Texas aligns with multiple reports, confirming the story's truthfulness. The lawsuits filed by Texas in 2022 and the specific types of data collected, such as geolocation and biometric data, are also corroborated by other sources, indicating precise reporting. The claim that no single state has previously attained a settlement against Google greater than $93 million is consistent with historical data, further supporting the story's accuracy.

Google's statement about the settlement addressing old claims and revised policies is accurately reflected, as stated by Google's spokesperson. Additionally, previous settlements by Google and Meta are factually correct, with the $391.5 million settlement in 2022 and Meta's $1.4 billion settlement with Texas confirmed by other reports. The story does not present any significant inaccuracies, making it a reliable account of the events.

8
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from both the Texas Attorney General's office and Google's spokesperson. This dual representation allows readers to understand the positions of both the state pursuing legal action and the company being accused. The inclusion of Google's statement about the settlement addressing old claims and revised policies provides a counterbalance to the allegations made by Texas, ensuring that the reader receives a comprehensive view of the situation.

However, the article could have been more balanced by including perspectives from independent experts or privacy advocates to provide additional context on the implications of such settlements. While the story does a good job of presenting both sides of the legal dispute, it slightly lacks in offering a broader range of viewpoints that might enhance understanding of the broader implications of such privacy settlements.

9
Clarity

The article is clear and concise, presenting the information in a straightforward manner that is easy to understand. The structure is logical, beginning with the settlement announcement and then providing relevant background information on the lawsuits and previous settlements. The language is neutral and objective, avoiding any sensationalism or bias.

The clarity of the article is further enhanced by the use of direct quotes from key stakeholders, which helps to convey the positions of both the Texas Attorney General and Google. Overall, the article is well-written and effectively communicates the key points without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.

9
Source quality

The article relies on high-quality sources, including direct quotes from Google's spokesperson and the Texas Attorney General's press release. These sources are authoritative and directly involved in the legal proceedings, lending credibility to the information presented. The use of a press release as a primary source ensures that the information is official and accurate, while the inclusion of a statement from Google's spokesperson adds a reliable corporate perspective.

The article might benefit from additional sources, such as independent legal analysts or privacy experts, to provide a more nuanced view of the situation. Nonetheless, the primary sources used are credible and authoritative, contributing to the overall reliability of the reporting.

8
Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of facts and sources, clearly attributing information to the Texas Attorney General's press release and Google's spokesperson. This transparency allows readers to trace the origins of the information and assess its reliability. The article effectively communicates the basis for its claims, such as the settlement amount and the nature of the allegations against Google.

However, the article could improve transparency by providing more background on the legal proceedings and the specific changes Google has made to its policies. While the article is clear about the settlement details, additional context regarding the broader legal landscape and the implications of these settlements would enhance transparency and understanding for the reader.

Sources

  1. https://thehackernews.com/2025/05/google-pays-1375-billion-to-texas-over.html
  2. https://www.businessinsider.com/google-alphabet-settlement-texas-data-privacy-antitrust-legal-challenges-2025-5
  3. https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/09/google-texas-privacy-lawsuit-settlement-ken-paxton/