A deadline is fast approaching for eligible users to file a claim in a $68 million class-action lawsuit against Google. The settlement stems from allegations that Google Assistant violated user privacy by recording audio without explicit consent, despite claims that the device was not actively listening.

To be eligible for a payment, individuals must have used Google Assistant on a device between certain dates, though the specific eligibility criteria are detailed on the official settlement website. The funds will be distributed to those who submit valid claims before the cutoff date. While the settlement amount is set at $68 million, the final payout per individual depends on the total number of valid claims filed; as more people submit claims, the individual share decreases.

Google has denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement agreement. The company maintains that its technology is designed to protect user privacy and that the recording features were not intended to capture unauthorized data. This settlement is one of several legal challenges Google has faced regarding data collection practices and user privacy over the past few years. Users who do not submit a claim by the deadline will forfeit their right to receive a portion of the settlement funds, though they also waive the right to sue Google individually over these specific claims.