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Plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit Taylor v. Google LLC allege that Google caused Android mobile devices to transfer information to Google without users’ permission, consuming users’ cellular data. The case is nearing resolution, and a proposed settlement could lead to payments for an estimated 100 million people.
Google has agreed to a preliminary settlement announced in January without admitting fault. Under the proposal, Google would pay $135 million in damages. The settlement website is now live.
The court’s final approval hearing is scheduled for June 23, when the judge will consider objections and determine whether the settlement is fair. After that, the court will decide whether to approve the $135 million settlement.
As part of the settlement, Google will update its Google Play terms of service to clarify that certain data transfers can occur passively even when users are not actively using their Android device. The terms would also clarify that cellular data may be relied upon when users are not connected to Wi-Fi. The settlement states that these transfers cannot always be disabled, but users will be asked to consent during device setup.
Google will also fully stop collecting data when its “allow background data usage” option is toggled off.
To be eligible for the Taylor v. Google LLC settlement, claimants must meet four requirements:
Eligible claimants are expected to use a Notice ID and Confirmation Code, which settlement administrators mailed or emailed to them.
Claimants can select a preferred payment method on the official settlement website. The deadline to add a payment method is tied to the June 23 final approval hearing, and the settlement website will post any changes to the hearing’s date and time.
The settlement materials state that if eligible class members do nothing, they may still receive a payment, but not selecting a payment method could increase the risk of not being paid.
The settlement materials indicate that some eligible users may not receive a notification letter or email. Individuals can request information by calling 1-844-655-4255 or emailing info@FederalCellularClassAction.com. They can also mail a request to: Federal Cellular Class Action, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
The exact payment amount for each class member is not yet known. The maximum payment is listed as $100. Payments are expected to be distributed after final court approval and after resolution of any appeals.
After administrative, tax, and attorney costs are paid, the settlement administrator will attempt to pay each member an equal amount. If funds remain after initial payments and it is economically feasible, remaining money may be redistributed to members who were previously and successfully paid. If redistribution is not economically feasible, remaining funds would go to a court-approved organization.
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