data settlement Archives

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Google’s $135M Android data settlement is getting closer, and you can now set your payout method

Android users in the US can claim payouts from a million settlement with Google related to a class action lawsuit over unauthorized data collection. Eligible users must have used Android with cellular data between November 2017 and the final approval date. Payout options include PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, ACH, or a virtual card. The maximum payout is estimated to be around [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: What you need to know Android users in the US can now start the process of claiming payouts as Google begins settling the 5 million data lawsuit case. Eligible users must have used Android with cellular data between November 2017 and the final approval date. Users can choose payouts via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, ACH, or virtual card through the settlement website. Final payouts depend on claims and approval, with a maximum of about 0 expected per eligible user. In an unexpected turn of events, Android users across the United States are now presented with an opportunity to claim their share of a 5 million settlement from Google. This follows a class action lawsuit that has been in the spotlight since November 2020, where allegations surfaced regarding the unauthorized collection and transfer of users' cellular data. The lawsuit contended that Android devices were engaging in "passive data transfers" even when users believed their phones were inactive—apps closed, location services disabled, and the device seemingly idle. As Google moves towards settling this case, eligible users can now visit the settlement website to select their preferred payment method. Options include popular platforms such as PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, ACH, or even a virtual Mastercard. It's important for users to complete the payment election form; otherwise, the Settlement Administrator will make attempts to send payments without a specified method, which could lead to complications in receiving funds. However, California residents should note that they are excluded from this settlement due to a separate lawsuit totaling 4 million. For those eligible, the maximum payout is estimated to be around 0 per person, although the final amount will fluctuate based on the number of claims submitted and necessary deductions for administrative costs, taxes, and legal fees. While users can currently only file their payment preferences, actual payouts will be processed following the final approval hearing set for June 23, 2026. Payments will only be issued if the settlement receives the green light at that time. Android Central's Take The prospect of receiving free money is always appealing, yet this situation also serves as a reminder of how casually our data can be utilized in the background—without any admission of wrongdoing from Google. While 0 may not be a life-altering sum, for those eligible, there’s certainly no reason to forgo the opportunity to file a claim." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] per eligible user, depending on claims and administrative costs. California residents are excluded from the settlement. Actual payouts will be processed after a final approval hearing set for June 23, 2026.

Tech Optimizer

February 24, 2025

Did Avast Sell Your Data Here’s How to Get a Piece of the FTC Settlement

Consumers who purchased Avast's antivirus software between 2014 and 2020 will receive compensation from a .5 million settlement due to allegations that Avast secretly collected and sold personal information. The FTC will notify approximately 3,690,813 affected consumers via email, with notifications expected between now and March 7, 2025. Claims must be filed by June 5, and payments are anticipated to be mailed out next year. Each eligible consumer could receive about [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Consumers who purchased Avast's antivirus software between 2014 and 2020 will soon see some financial relief, as the company has agreed to a substantial settlement of .5 million. This decision comes in response to allegations that Avast secretly collected and sold personal information to third-party clients, a practice that has raised significant privacy concerns. FTC Takes Action The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now poised to distribute compensation to those affected, following a settlement announcement made a year ago. In a recent statement, the FTC revealed that it will be sending email notifications to approximately 3,690,813 consumers who purchased Avast's antivirus software during the specified timeframe. Eligible consumers can expect to receive these notifications between now and March 7, 2025. To facilitate the claims process, the FTC has established a dedicated website aimed at assisting users in obtaining their compensation. However, it’s important to manage expectations; if all affected consumers file claims, each individual could receive a mere .47 from the settlement fund. The deadline for filing claims is set for June 5, with payments anticipated to be mailed out next year. Uncovering Privacy Violations The FTC's scrutiny of Avast was prompted by investigative reports from PCMag and Motherboard, which revealed that the company's antivirus products were potentially exposing users' internet browsing histories to third-party companies. Despite Avast's assurances of user security, it was discovered that the company had been sharing browsing data through its subsidiary, Jumpshot, without adequately stripping personal identifiers. Internal documents indicated that this data could be traced back to individual users, particularly when cross-referenced with other data sources. The FTC's investigation confirmed that Jumpshot had been selling users' browsing data to over 100 clients, including various advertising firms, from 2014 until January 2020. Consequences and Changes In light of these findings, Avast took steps to terminate its browser data harvesting practices and shut down Jumpshot. However, the FTC's actions did not stop there; the agency alleged that Avast had violated U.S. fair trade laws by failing to inform users about the potential sale of their browsing data. The resulting order mandated that Avast pay .5 million and prohibited the company from selling or licensing any web-browsing data for advertising purposes in the future. Interestingly, while Avast also sold data from its free users, the settlement fund is exclusively available to those who paid for the antivirus software. In a significant shift, Avast has since merged with NortonLifeLock, forming a new security entity known as Gen. Under the terms of the FTC's order, Avast is required to delete all data collected through its Jumpshot operations, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about user privacy and data protection in the digital age." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].47 if all claims are filed. The FTC's investigation revealed that Avast's subsidiary, Jumpshot, sold users' browsing data to over 100 clients without adequately stripping personal identifiers. Avast has since terminated its data harvesting practices and shut down Jumpshot, and the company is prohibited from selling or licensing web-browsing data for advertising purposes in the future. The settlement fund is only available to paying customers, and Avast is required to delete all data collected through Jumpshot operations.