Google location tracking deal could be derailed by politics

Google location tracking deal could be derailed by politics

April 16, 2024 at 06:51AM

The proposed $62 million settlement between Google and users object as insufficient and raise concerns of ties between Google and beneficiaries, the politics of organizations, and a lack of consent for fund allocation. Attorney Theodore Frank argues for individual payments and questions the proposed recipients. A hearing is scheduled for April 18, 2024.

Based on the meeting notes provided, the key points are as follows:

1. Google’s proposed $62 million settlement to resolve allegations of tracking people’s locations through mobile applications, even when Location History was turned off, is facing objections.

2. The objections include concerns about the lack of direct payment to affected individuals, alleged ties between Google and the nonprofit beneficiaries, and questions about the political affiliations of the organizations set to receive funds.

3. The settlement proposes allocating funds to 21 nonprofit organizations, with the idea that these organizations support privacy through education and policy work.

4. Attorney Theodore Frank has raised objections to the settlement proposal, arguing that it is feasible to directly compensate the millions of affected individuals and raising concerns about the ideological leanings of the proposed beneficiary organizations.

5. Frank also contends that some of the proposed beneficiaries have prior relationships with the law firms handling the case, raising questions of conflict of interest.

6. The hearing on the objection to the proposed settlement is scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Please let me know if there is anything specific you would like to focus on or any other details you need from the meeting notes.

Full Article