Frequently asked questions
TOPICS
- Miscellaneous
What conversations has Google been recording?
Labaton alleges that level of detail in the recordings is substantial enough to enable the listener to identify the individuals involved without additional information. Belgian media outlet VRT NWS tracked down one couple and played the audio recording from their Google Assistant Enabled Device. The couple immediately identified the voices as those “of their son and their grandchild.” VRT NWS’s report reveals that instead of only recording what a user says after uttering a hot word, Google Assistant records anything said that is preceded by anything that remotely sounds like a hot word, and that even after Google discovers that it has wrongly recorded a conversation, it nonetheless keeps and analyzes the recording. You can read the VRT NWS report here.
What Google devices qualify for this case?
Any Google device that was purchased directly from Google (either in person from a brick-and-mortar Google Store or from Google’s online store) within the past three years and that you’ve enabled and used Google Assistant on will qualify for this case. These devices include the Google Pixel Phones (3/3 XL/3a/3a XL/4/4 XL/4a/4a (5G)/5/5a/6/6a/6 Pro/7/7 Pro), Google Home (Home/Max/Mini), Google Nest (Mini/Hub/Audio/Hub (2nd Gen)/Wifi Point), Google Pixel Watch, and the Google Chromecast with Google TV.
Is this case a class action lawsuit?
While there is a class action lawsuit pending against Google for these practices, Google is claiming that members of the class must bring their claims in arbitration. Google claims that consumers who purchased their Google Assistant enabled devices directly from Google agreed to bring any disputes they may have in connection with their Google devices in arbitration and not in court.
What is arbitration?
Arbitration is a private dispute resolution process. Your claim will not be filed in court. Your claim will be decided by an arbitrator, who is a neutral person chosen by you and the company. We can select an arbitrator for you who is fair and neutral.
Is arbitration confidential?
Yes, arbitration is a confidential, private process.
Once I sign up, how does the process work?
Once you sign up, you’ll be asked to sign our attorney-client agreement. That allows us to investigate your private arbitration claim. Then, log in to your secure client portal. All information is strictly privileged and confidential and will only be used for your claim. Answer a few more questions, upload a few documents, and we’ll take it from there. We’ll analyze your claim and your losses, negotiate with the company, and, if necessary, pursue your claim in arbitration.
How do your fees work?
Our fees will be a percentage of the settlement or recovery we obtain for you. That amount will depend on the rules in the state you live in. We only receive a fee if you win, and you will never owe us any money.