How to Claim Your Share in the Google Class Action Lawsuit - Get Up

Have you owned an Android phone in the U.S. since late 2017? You could be eligible for a payment from a recent Google class action lawsuit settlement. Google has agreed to pay $135 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that Android devices sent user data and consumed cellular data without explicit permission. While the final payout amount is yet to be determined, eligible class members could receive up to $100. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to determine your eligibility and claim your potential payment.

What You'll Accomplish

By following this guide, you will understand the details of the Taylor V. Google LLC class action lawsuit, identify if you are an eligible class member, and learn how to submit your payment election to receive a portion of the settlement fund. You'll also know how to proceed if you haven't received a notice or if you wish to exclude yourself from the lawsuit.

Are You Eligible? Prerequisites for Making a Claim

To be considered an eligible class member in this lawsuit, you must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: You must reside in the United States.
• Device Usage: You must have used an Android mobile device with an active cellular plan at any point between November 12, 2017, and the date the settlement receives final approval.
• Exclusion from Other Lawsuits: You must not be a class member in the separate but similar lawsuit, Csupo v. Google LLC, which specifically concerns Android users residing in California.

It's estimated that approximately 100 million individuals could be part of this class action. While the maximum individual payout is capped at $100, the actual amount you receive may be lower due to administrative costs, taxes, and legal fees that will be deducted from the $135 million settlement fund.

Understanding the Lawsuit: Why Google is Paying

The lawsuit, officially known as Taylor V. Google LLC, centers on allegations that Google permitted Android devices to transmit a variety of user data back to Google without obtaining the users' explicit consent. Beyond the privacy implications, the lawsuit also claims that this unauthorized data transfer used up users' cellular data allowances. Google, while denying any wrongdoing, chose to settle the case for $135 million.

As part of this settlement, Google has agreed to implement several changes. These include updating the Play Store Terms of Service and the setup screens for Android devices to clearly disclose data collection practices. Furthermore, users will be offered a choice to opt in or out of this data collection. Google also committed to disabling a specific, related setting on Android devices, though the exact nature of this setting was not detailed in the source information.

How to Claim Your Payment: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you believe you are an eligible class member, follow these steps to claim your potential payment:

Step 1: Look for an Official Notice

Most eligible class members should have received an official notice about the settlement. This notice typically arrives either via email or physical mail. Keep an eye out for correspondence related to the "Federal Cellular Class Action" or "Taylor V. Google LLC" lawsuit.

Step 2: Locate Your Unique Codes

Once you receive your notice, carefully review it. The notice will contain two crucial pieces of information that you'll need to process your claim: a Notice ID and a Confirmation Code.

Step 3: Elect Your Payment Method Online

With your Notice ID and Confirmation Code in hand, visit the official settlement payment election portal. You can find this at: https://www.federalcellularclassaction.com/payment-election. On this page, you will be prompted to enter your codes and select your preferred method for receiving the payment. This is a critical step. Although class members are automatically included in the lawsuit, if you do not complete this payment election form, you may not receive your payment.

Step 4: What to Do if You Didn't Receive a Notice

If you believe you are an eligible class member but have not received a notice via email or mail, you still have options to inquire about your eligibility and claim your share:

• By Phone: Call the Settlement Administrator directly at 1-844-655-4255.
• By Email: Send an email with your inquiry to Info@FederalCellularClassAction.com.
• By Mail: Write a letter to the Settlement Administrator at the following address: Federal Cellular Class Action c/o Settlement Administrator 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210 Philadelphia, PA 19103

Step 5: Understand Your Right to Exclude Yourself

It's important to be aware that you have the option to exclude yourself from this lawsuit. If you choose to formally exclude yourself, you will forfeit any potential payout from this settlement. However, by doing so, you retain your individual right to sue Google separately over the same issue. The deadline to formally exclude yourself, as stated in the source, was May 29. If you did not formally exclude yourself by this date, you have waived your right to pursue individual litigation against Google regarding this specific matter, in exchange for the potential payout from the class action.

Tips for a Smooth Claim Process

• Act Promptly: While the exclusion deadline may have passed, if you haven't elected your payment method and are eligible, it's wise to do so without delay. Check the official website for any specific deadlines related to payment election.
• Verify Information: Always double-check your Notice ID and Confirmation Code when entering them online to avoid errors.
• Keep Records: It's good practice to save a copy of your notice, any confirmation emails, or a screenshot of your completed payment election form for your records.
• Official Channels Only: Only use the contact information and website provided in official notices or directly on the federalcellularclassaction.com website to ensure you are dealing with the legitimate settlement administrator.

Conclusion

Navigating class action lawsuits can seem complicated, but taking a few simple steps can ensure you receive what you're entitled to. If you're an eligible Android user, don't miss out on the opportunity to claim your portion of the Google settlement. By checking for a notice, using your unique codes, and electing your payment method, you could receive up to $100. If you haven't received a notice, remember to reach out to the Settlement Administrator using the provided contact details. Taking action now is the best way to secure your part of this significant settlement.

FAQ

Q: What is the deadline to claim my payment or exclude myself? A: The source states that the deadline to formally exclude yourself from the lawsuit was May 29. If you did not formally exclude yourself by this date, you waived your right to sue Google individually over this issue, in favor of the class action settlement. While the article emphasizes the importance of completing the payment election form, it does not specify a separate deadline for this action. It is advisable to elect your payment method as soon as possible after receiving your notice.

Q: What if I didn't receive a notice but believe I am eligible? A: If you believe you are a class member but have not yet received an official notice via email or mail, you can still contact the Settlement Administrator. You can do this by calling 1-844-655-4255, sending an email to Info@FederalCellularClassAction.com, or mailing a letter to the address provided in Step 4 of this guide.

Q: Why might the actual payout be less than $100? A: Although the maximum possible payout for individual class members is capped at $100, the total settlement fund of $135 million must first cover various expenses. These include administrative costs for managing the settlement, taxes, and fees for the attorneys involved in the case. The final amount you receive will be distributed from the remaining funds after these deductions, which could result in an individual payment being lower than the $100 cap.