A jury in San Jose has ordered Google to pay over $300 million to Android users in California due to the misuse of cellphone data. Specifically, the company faces a fine of $314.6 million for sending and receiving information from devices without users’ permission while the phones were idle. This violation has been characterized as a “mandatory and unavoidable burden” that Android users have had to bear for Google’s benefit.

In response to the verdict, Google has announced plans to appeal. Jose Castaneda, a representative for the company, stated that the jury’s decision misinterprets the essential services that contribute to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices. Conversely, Glen Summers, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, expressed that the verdict validates the seriousness of Google’s misconduct and reinforces the merits of the case.

The lawsuit dates back to 2019, when it was filed on behalf of 14 million Californians. It highlighted concerns that Google was gathering data from idle Android phones to enhance its business practices, particularly for targeted advertising, significantly impacting users by consuming their cellular data without compensation. During the trial, Google contended that its users had consented to these practices through the company’s terms of service and privacy policies, arguing that no harm had been done.

If Google’s appeal fails, the $314.6 million fine will be distributed among the 14 million affected Android users in California. In addition to this case, Google faces another class action lawsuit filed in federal court in San Jose, addressing similar claims for Android users in all other states, which is set to go to trial in April next year.