Alphabet
The Latest
Worst False Ad Settlements of 2024
Some class-action settlements that left consumers behind.
How Investing in the Cutting Edge Can Bleed You Dry
What consumers should know about software tethering.
Google’s AI Overviews
New AI-powered search feature produces misleading answers.
YouTube TV: ‘$600 Less Than Cable’
Google appeals decision recommending it drop comparative pricing claim.
YouTube TV Multiview
While ads suggest that feature is widely available, rollout is still in progress.
Companies Accused of Greenwashing
When companies green it, they better mean it.
Google Takes Down Amazon’s ‘Shop FDA Approved Supplements’ Ad Following TINA.org Inquiry
Search engine also removes slider of ‘sponsored’ products in response to TINA.org inquiry.
Ad or Not? Google Search Results for ‘Silicon Valley’
Search engine results promote HBO show.
May the Force of Google Be With You?
The reality of the free Google Star Wars virtual reality cardboard giveaway.
Google to Refund Millions to Parents
Internet giant to refund parents for charges their children ran up playing mobile apps.
Class-Action Tracker
Google’s “Location History” Feature
Allegations: Misrepresenting that Google does not track consumers’ movements or store a record of their locations when the “Location History” feature on mobile devices is disabled
YouTube Subscriptions
Allegations: Failing to adequately disclose the terms of subscriptions
Google’s Designed for Families Program
Allegations: Deceptively marketing apps in its Designed for Families program as safe and appropriate for children
FitBit Fitness Trackers
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing that fitness trackers are capable of measuring blood oxygen levels when they do not provide accurate measures
Google Pixel 4a, 5, and 5a Cellphones
Allegations: Advertising phones as capable of accessing 5G broadband networks when they were no longer able to access 5G networks after a software update
GoodRx
Allegations: Falsely representing that the company safeguards consumers’ personal data when such information was disclosed to third parties
YouTube Music and YouTube Premium
Allegations: Failing to adequately disclose the terms of subscriptions and making it difficult to cancel
DoubleU Games Gambling Games
Allegations: Promoting illegal virtual gambling games
Grande Games Gambling Games
Allegations: Promoting illegal virtual gambling games
Zynga’s Gambling Games
Allegations: Promoting illegal virtual gambling games
Gambling Games in the Google Play Store
Allegations: Promoting illegal virtual gambling games
Gambling Games on Google
Allegations: Promoting illegal virtual gambling games
Disclosures in Google Play
Allegations: Failing to adequately disclose that certain games use loot boxes, which are a form of gambling that violates state anti-gambling laws
Google Stadia
Allegations: Falsely advertising Stadia as more powerful than other gaming consoles and as displaying all video games in 4k resolution
Google Home Devices
In August 2020, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Google LLC and Alphabet Inc. for allegedly falsely advertising that various Google Home devices – including the Google Home, Google Home…
Google’s Marketing of Pine-Sol
In June 2020, a class-action lawsuit was filed alleging that Google’s website – sometimes referred to as Google Buys or Google Shopping — misleadingly markets Pine-Sol Multi Surface Cleaner using…
Fitbit Charge 2
In February 2019, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Fitbit, Inc. for allegedly misrepresenting the quality of Fitbit Charge 2 fitness bands by failing to disclose that a defect causes…
FitBit’s PurePulse Tracker
June 2018: One of the named plaintiffs (Dunn) filed an amended complaint bringing similar allegations. October 2017: A federal judge granted Fitbit’s motion to compel arbitration for the plaintiffs who…
Fitbit’s “Sleep-Tracking” Function
November 2018: Plaintiffs moved for preliminary approval of a proposed settlement agreement. According to its terms, class members may file a claim to receive $12.50 for each qualifying Fitbit device…
Nest “Smart” Thermostat
August 2014: This case was voluntarily dismissed When a complaint is dismissed without prejudice, an amended version of the complaint can be refiled., the reasons for which have not been…
Fitbit’s Charge HR and Surge Wristbands
A false advertising class-action lawsuit was filed against Fitbit in February 2016. According to the complaint, the company deceptively markets the Charge HR and Surge wristband activity trackers with PurePulse™…
Nest Learning Thermostats
October 2016: After the named plaintiff’s motion for class certification was denied, this action was voluntarily dismissed When a complaint is dismissed with prejudice, it cannot be refiled.. March 2014:…
Google Drive Storage Fees
In January 2015, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Google for, among other things, allegedly deceiving customers who subscribe to Google Drive (a data-storage service). According to the complaint, Google…