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If you use an Android phone, there is a good chance this case affects you. Google has agreed to a $135 million settlement over claims that its Android system used people's cellular data without permission. The part that caught our attention is when it allegedly happened.
According to the lawsuit, these data transfers could take place in the background, even when your phone was not in use. Most people assume that if their screen is off, nothing is happening. That isn't always the case.
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The lawsuit claims Android software sent data to Google in the background, even when the phone was not in use. (John Keeble/Getty Images)
What the lawsuit says your Android phone was doing
At the center of this case is how Android handled background activity. The lawsuit claims Android devices were sending information back to Google servers without clear user consent. This reportedly happened over cellular networks, which means it may have used data you were paying for.
That detail matters. If something runs over Wi Fi, most people do not think twice about it. Cellular data is different. It is limited for many users and often tied to monthly costs.
The plaintiffs argue that Google could have restricted these transfers to Wi Fi. Instead, they say the system used cellular connections, which shifted the cost to users. Google has denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle the case.
“We are pleased to resolve this case, which mischaracterized standard industry practices that keep Android safe. We're providing additional disclosures to…