Google is cutting a massive $1.375 billion check to the state of Texas after being accused of secretly collecting user data-including face scans, voiceprints, and private searches.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says Google tracked users even when they thought they were safe-using Incognito mode, disabling location, or just trusting the tech giant.

Paxton's 2022 lawsuits claimed Google grabbed biometric data without consent and used Location History to follow user'severy move. Now, that battle ends with one of the biggest tech settlements ever.

While Google didn't admit guilt, it said these were “old claims” tied to policies that have since been updated. No product changes are required under the agreement.

Users thought they were browsing privately-but Paxton argued Incognito mode still collected info. That's part of why this case rattled so many.

Last year, Meta also paid $1.4 billion to settle similar allegations over facial recognition. Looks like Texas isn't holding back on Big Tech anymore.

That's still unclear. Paxton hasn't revealed how the $1.375 billion payout will be used-but the message is loud and clear: privacy matters in Texas.