Texas AG Ken Paxton Secures Historic $1.375 Billion Settlement with Google for Data Privacy Violations

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured a $1.375 billion settlement with Google, marking the largest recovery nationwide against the tech giant for violations of state privacy laws. The settlement resolves allegations that Google unlawfully tracked and collected private data from Texans, including geolocation, incognito searches, and biometric information. This settlement exceeds previous state settlements against Google for similar data privacy violations, with the highest prior recovery being $391.5 million from a coalition of 40 states. Paxton emphasized the settlement as a significant victory for Texans' privacy and a deterrent to companies abusing consumer trust. The agreement also addresses a third claim involving Google's search history practices, where Texas alleged that Google continued to record data even when users opted for private browsing modes. Google has agreed to update its privacy disclosures as part of the settlement. Norton Rose Fulbright served as outside counsel for Texas in this case, and Google's spokesperson, José Castañeda, stated that the settlement resolves old claims related to product policies that have since been changed. Paxton's office also has pending privacy or deceptive trade practices claims against other companies, including TikTok Inc., Allstate Corp., and General Motors LLC.