Google will pay Texas $1.4 billion to settle data privacy violation lawsuits

Engadget - May 10th, 2025
Open on Engadget

Google has agreed to pay $1.375 billion to the state of Texas to settle two lawsuits alleging violations of data privacy rights. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed that Google collected users' biometrics and tracked locations without consent. The settlement marks the largest payout by Google for similar privacy issues. Despite the payment, Google has not admitted any wrongdoing and will not be required to change its products. Google representative Jose Castaneda stated that the settlement addresses old claims and that the company has since updated its policies.

The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about tech companies' data practices and privacy rights. Texas previously settled a similar case with Meta for $1.4 billion over facial recognition data collection. This indicates a broader push by states to hold tech giants accountable for privacy violations. The settlement emphasizes the significance of protecting biometric data and may influence future legal and regulatory actions in the tech industry, particularly concerning user consent and data handling practices.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a largely accurate and timely account of Google's settlement with Texas over data privacy violations. It effectively highlights the key points, such as the settlement amount and the allegations against Google, while also including perspectives from both the Texas Attorney General and Google. The story is well-written and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the main issues. However, the article could benefit from additional context and expert analysis to enhance its balance and depth. Overall, the article succeeds in addressing a topic of significant public interest and has the potential to contribute to ongoing discussions about data privacy and corporate responsibility.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story is largely accurate in its main claims, such as Google's agreement to pay $1.375 billion to Texas to settle lawsuits related to data privacy violations. The article correctly notes the allegations against Google, including unauthorized biometric data collection and location tracking. However, the story could benefit from more precise details about the lawsuits' specific claims and outcomes. The comparison with Meta's settlement is accurate, but the story could provide more context on the nature of these settlements and any legal precedents they might set. The statement that Google does not admit wrongdoing is consistent with the company's typical legal strategy in settlements.

7
Balance

The article presents both sides of the story by including statements from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Google's spokesperson. Paxton's viewpoint is prominently featured, emphasizing the settlement as a victory for privacy rights. Google's perspective is also included, clarifying that the company does not admit wrongdoing and highlighting changes to its policies. However, the article could enhance balance by providing more context on the legal standards for data privacy and how Google's practices compare to industry norms. Additionally, including perspectives from privacy advocates or legal experts could provide a more comprehensive view.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a straightforward presentation of the key facts and claims. The language is accessible, and the story flows logically from the introduction of the settlement to the perspectives of the involved parties. However, some readers may require additional context on the legal terms and implications of the settlement to fully grasp the significance of the story. Including definitions of terms like 'biometric data' and 'data privacy violations' could enhance clarity. Overall, the article is easy to read and understand, making it accessible to a general audience.

6
Source quality

The article references credible sources such as statements from the Texas Attorney General's office and Google's spokesperson, which adds to its reliability. However, the story could improve by citing independent experts or legal analysts to provide additional context and analysis. The reliance on statements from the parties involved may limit the depth of understanding, as these sources may have vested interests. Including a broader range of sources, such as privacy experts or legal scholars, could enhance the article's credibility and provide readers with a more nuanced understanding of the issues.

6
Transparency

The article is transparent in disclosing its primary sources, such as direct quotes from the Texas Attorney General and Google. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the legal context and the implications of the settlement. The story could improve transparency by explaining the methodology behind the settlement figures and the legal framework governing data privacy in Texas. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as financial ties to the companies involved, which could impact the story's impartiality. Providing more background information and context would help readers better understand the basis for the claims.

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/