Google to Pay Texas $1.4 Billion to End Privacy Cases

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In a historic move, Google has agreed to pay the state of Texas $1.375 billion to settle two major privacy lawsuits—one over illegal location tracking and another involving unauthorized facial recognition data collection. This marks one of the largest privacy settlements ever secured by a single state and underscores the mounting backlash against Big Tech’s invasive data practices.

The lawsuits, led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, accused Google of tracking Texans’ physical locations and maintaining facial recognition data—all without users’ consent. A third claim, also resolved in the settlement, alleged that Google continued recording users’ search history even while in private “Incognito” mode, undermining trust in its privacy tools.

While Google maintains that these issues concern outdated practices that have already been changed, the scale of the settlement speaks volumes. “This $1.375 billion settlement is a major win for Texans’ privacy,” Paxton stated, adding that it sends a clear message: “Companies will pay for abusing our trust.”

Notably, the size of this settlement rivals Meta’s own $1.4 billion payout to Texas last year over similar facial recognition claims involving Facebook and Instagram. Together, these billion-dollar resolutions reflect a broader legal push against tech giants who profit from behavioral surveillance and deceptive data practices.

The legal fight didn’t come cheap. Texas employed high-powered law firms on contingency contracts, with Norton Rose Fulbright set to collect up to 27% of the recovery. Law firm partners billed at a staggering $3,780 an hour to take on Google. Despite Google winning several preliminary court decisions—including jurisdictional challenges—both parties signaled a settlement was imminent earlier this year.

But this story isn’t just about legal victories and billion-dollar settlements. It’s a cautionary tale about the hidden cost of “free” digital services. Users who rely on Google’s Android ecosystem—phones, tablets, search engines, browsers—are exposed to monitoring, tracking, and data harvesting by design, not by accident. Privacy violations like those uncovered in Texas could have been avoided entirely had end users been using devices and operating systems built with privacy as a core principle.

That’s where Purism comes in.

Unlike Google and Android-based platforms, Purism’s Librem 5 smartphone and PureOS operating system are built for privacy, security, and user freedom. Purism products don’t track your location, collect your biometric data, or retain your search history without consent. With no Google services baked in, you remain in control of your digital life when using Purism products and services.

If you’re looking for a private, secure alternative to surveillance-driven platforms, Purism offers the trusted solutions you deserve.

Visit https://puri.sm to learn more and reclaim your digital sovereignty today.