Google will pay Texas $1.4 billion to settle privacy lawsuits

Core Viewpoint - Google has agreed to pay $1.375 billion to settle lawsuits regarding unauthorized tracking of users' personal data, marking a significant legal outcome in privacy enforcement against the company [1][2]. Group 1: Settlement Details - The settlement amount of$1.375 billion is the highest recovery against Google for any attorney general's enforcement of state privacy laws [2]. - The lawsuits were initiated by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2022, focusing on issues such as tracking users' location, incognito searches, and voice and facial data without consent [1][2]. Group 2: Company Response - Google stated that the settlement does not imply any admission of wrongdoing or liability, and it will not require changes to its products [2]. - A Google spokesperson emphasized that the settlement resolves old claims related to product policies that have already been modified [3]. Group 3: Legal Context - The settlement follows major antitrust rulings against Google, which found the company acted illegally to maintain monopolies in web search and advertising technology [5]. - Google has indicated plans to appeal the antitrust rulings, which include proposed remedies such as divesting Chrome [5].