$833 Million in Google Settlements: Are You Owed Money?

Media Companies Sue Over Ad Revenue Loss

In January 2026, The Atlantic, Penske Media Corp., Condé Nast, Vox Media, and McClatchy filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Google's control over programmatic ad technology has driven down ad prices [3]. The lawsuits claim Google exploited its control over 60% to 70% of display ad inventory through forced integration of its ad server and exchange platforms. This case highlights how Google's advertising practices may be affecting entire industries beyond individual consumers.

AI Privacy Lawsuit Filed

In November 2025, a class action lawsuit called Thele v. Google LLC was filed against Google, alleging that Google turned on its Gemini artificial intelligence program for all users without their knowledge or consent to track users' private communications in Gmail, Chat and Meet. The lawsuit alleges violations of state and federal privacy laws and may represent anyone in the United States with a Gmail, Chat and/or Meet account whose private communications were tracked by Google's Gemini AI.

Multiple Ongoing Federal Antitrust Cases

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated a federal antitrust case against Google on October 20, 2020, alleging that Google illegally monopolized the search engine and search advertising markets, violating the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 [1]. A separate federal case was filed by the DOJ on January 24, 2023, accusing Google of monopolizing the advertising technology market and seeking to force Google to sell off significant portions of its ad tech business. Google plans to appeal both decisions.

Federal Courts Rule Google Operates Illegal Monopolies

Google faces unprecedented legal challenges as federal judges have ruled the tech giant maintains illegal monopolies across multiple sectors. In August 2024, Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google held a monopoly in the markets for general search engine services and text advertising and illegally used that position. More recently, on April 17, 2025, Judge Leonie Brinkman ruled that Google had formed an illegal monopoly in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets.

$630 Million Google Play Store Settlement

Google agreed to pay $630 million to settle claims from all 50 states that Google violated antitrust laws by monopolizing app distribution and in-app billing services through its Google Play Store [2]. The settlement benefits consumers who made qualifying purchases through the Google Play Store or paid for in-app content through Google Play Billing between August 16, 2016, and September 30, 2023. The final approval hearing for this settlement is scheduled for April 30, 2026, with a deadline for exclusion and objection set for February 19, 2026.

$68 Million Voice Assistant Privacy Settlement

Google agreed to pay $68 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging its voice assistant illegally recorded users. The preliminary settlement was filed on January 23, 2026, in federal court in San Jose, California, and requires approval by U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman. Consumers whose conversations were recorded without their knowledge by Google's voice assistant can submit claims for compensation.

Additional Privacy Settlements Totaling $135 Million

Google is set to pay $135 million to settle a privacy lawsuit where Android users claimed the company used cellular data without permission, with payments to individuals capped at $100 each. People who have used Android devices since November 12, 2017, are eligible for these payments. Additionally, Google and YouTube agreed to pay $30 million to settle a class action lawsuit claiming they unlawfully collected data from children under 13 to deliver targeted ads without parental consent.

Who May Be Eligible for Compensation

Multiple groups may be entitled to compensation from these settlements and ongoing cases. Small and mid-sized businesses that advertised on Google using Ad Manager may have been affected by inflated ad prices and reduced ad visibility. Consumers who purchased apps through Google Play Store, Android users, and Google device owners whose conversations were recorded are all potentially eligible for various settlement payments. Law firms including Zimmerman Reed LLP are actively investigating claims for affected businesses and consumers.

What This Means for Future Tech Regulation

These cases represent some of the most significant antitrust actions against a major technology company in decades. Google denies wrongdoing in many cases despite agreeing to settlements, and has announced plans to appeal the federal court monopoly rulings. The outcomes of these cases may set important precedents for how courts handle allegations of monopolistic behavior by large technology companies and could influence future regulation of the digital advertising market.