People across the United States who bought certain Google devices or believe Google Assistant accidentally recorded their private conversations can now file claims in a $68 million class action settlement.
The settlement resolves a long-running privacy lawsuit accusing Google and its parent company, Alphabet, of improperly collecting audio recordings through Google Assistant. The companies deny breaking any laws or violating users’ privacy rights, but agreed to settle the case to avoid the risks and costs of a trial.
According to court-approved settlement documents, eligible users must have purchased a Google-made device in the US or its territories between May 18, 2016, and March 19, 2026, or have had their communications recorded or otherwise obtained by Google Assistant after what is known as a “False Accept,” when the assistant mistakenly believes it heard a wake phrase and starts listening.
Who can receive a payment?
The settlement creates two groups of eligible claimants. The first, called the Purchaser Settlement Class, covers anyone who bought a Google-made device during the qualifying period.
The second, known as the Privacy Settlement Class, includes Google Assistant users — or members of their household — whose conversations were recorded or obtained by the assistant after a false activation or shared with a third-party review vendor.
The official settlement notice states: “You are a member of the Purchaser Settlement Class if you are a User who purchased a Google-Made Device in the United States or its territories between May 18, 2016, and March 19, 2026.”
It further says: “You are a member of the Privacy Settlement Class if you are a User of Google Assistant or were a member of a User’s Household between May 18, 2016, and March 19, 2026, and your communications were recorded or otherwise obtained by Google Assistant as a result of a False Accept or disclosed to any third-party review vendor.”
Children may also qualify, although claims on their behalf must be submitted by a parent or guardian, according to reports from local US media.
How much money could claimants get?
The exact amount each person receives has not been finalized and will depend on the number of valid claims submitted.
According to class counsel, purchasers of Google-made devices could receive roughly $18 to $56 per eligible device. People who qualify only under the privacy portion of the settlement may receive between $2 and $10.
The settlement uses a point system to divide payments. Purchasers can receive up to four points per qualifying device, while privacy-only claimants receive one point. Reports indicate purchasers can claim up to three eligible devices, for a maximum of 12 points.
If funds remain after the initial payments are distributed, the settlement allows a second round of payments to eligible claimants who have cashed their first checks. If redistribution is not practical, leftover funds will go to a court-approved nonprofit organization.
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How to file a claim
Eligible users must submit a claim form by Aug. 27, 2026. Claims can be filed online or by mail. Many potential claimants have already received emails titled “Google Assistant Privacy Litigation Settlement,” which include a Unique ID and PIN needed to begin the process.
Those who did not receive the email may still be able to request login credentials or submit a claim through the settlement administrator.
Proof of purchase may be required for device owners. Acceptable records can include Google Store order confirmations, purchase history from a Google account, bank or credit card statements, or retail receipts.
The official settlement notice says: “To receive a payment, you must complete and timely submit a valid Claim Form by August 27, 2026.”
What happens next?
The settlement still requires final court approval. A hearing is scheduled for October 1, 2026, in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. Class members who oppose or support the agreement can submit objections or request to speak at the hearing before the August deadline.
Anyone who chooses to do nothing will not receive a payment and will give up the right to sue Google separately over the claims covered by the lawsuit, according to the official settlement notice.
Also read: Google AI Overviews are facing legal and regulatory tests as companies decide how employees should verify AI search results.