**Article:**
Google has reached a $68 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of recording private conversations through its Google Assistant devices without users’ consent. The case alleged that Google collected and stored audio data from users’ interactions, sometimes capturing conversations not intended for the service.
The lawsuit claimed that these recordings were used for purposes beyond improving voice recognition technology, raising concerns about privacy violations. Google has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the dispute without further litigation.
The settlement will provide compensation to affected users in the United States, and Google has committed to enhancing transparency and privacy protections related to its voice-activated services.
**Why this matters**
This case highlights growing concerns about privacy and data security in the use of smart devices. As voice-activated assistants become more common, users need assurance that their conversations are not being recorded or used without explicit permission. The settlement underscores the importance of clear consent and stronger safeguards in the handling of personal data by technology companies.
Source: NewsData