Texas Just Dropped the Hammer on Big Tech

Boom. Google just coughed up $1.375 BILLION to settle explosive lawsuits accusing them of tracking Texans’ every move – including incognito searches, voiceprints, and even facial geometry. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist – it’s a full-body tackle from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

“In Texas, Big Tech is not above the law. For years, Google secretly tracked people’s movements, private searches, and even their voiceprints and facial geometry through their products and services. I fought back and won.”

Texas AG Ken Paxton, dropping truth bombs

This Settlement is MASSIVE

Let’s put this in perspective:

• Largest privacy settlement any state has ever extracted from Google
• Comes just one year after Meta paid up for similar facial recognition violations
• Proves states are now the tip of the spear in holding Big Tech accountable

Google’s Damage Control Playbook

While writing that enormous check, Google’s spinning hard:

• Claims they’re not admitting wrongdoing (classic Big Tech move)
• Says these are “old claims” about policies they’ve “long since changed”
• Tries to frame this as putting “resolved” issues behind them

But here’s what they’re NOT saying – this comes right after major antitrust rulings found Google illegally maintained monopolies in search and ad tech. The walls are closing in.

The Bigger Picture: Tech’s Reckoning

This isn’t just about Texas. It’s part of a nationwide tsunami of legal challenges hitting Big Tech:

• Multiple states flexing their legal muscles
• Growing public outrage over privacy violations
• Regulators finally waking up to tech’s data-hungry practices

Meanwhile, AG Paxton – fresh off this massive win – just announced he’s gunning for Senator John Cornyn’s seat. Talk about riding a wave of momentum.

What This Means For You

While Google claims they’ve changed, this settlement proves one thing: Your data is the most valuable commodity in the world. Companies will fight tooth and nail to keep collecting it until regulators FORCE them to stop.

The lesson? Stay vigilant. Assume you’re being tracked. And support lawmakers willing to stand up to tech giants.