A California federal judge has approved a settlement of $8.25 million to resolve a class action lawsuit against Google, which alleged that the tech giant secretly tracked children's online activity. As part of this agreement, the judge awarded class counsel just over $2 million in fees and expenses.
The judge expressed some reservations about the billing practices of one plaintiffs' firm, noting that the rates and hours billed were 'excessive.' Additionally, the judge rejected certain travel expenses claimed by the firm. Despite these concerns, the settlement was finalized.
The lawsuit centered on claims that Google surreptitiously monitored children's online behavior, raising concerns about privacy and data protection for minors. The settlement marks a significant resolution to these allegations, though the judge's comments highlight ongoing scrutiny over legal fees in such cases.