Google could face $4.3 billion claim in UK iPhone privacy case

In 2015, Apple allowed iPhone and iPad users to start installing content blockers -- software that can block ads on websites, for example -- on their devices as a way of giving people more control over how their data is gathered and used.

iPhone users suing Google over data-collection claims may be seeking as much as 3.2 billion pounds ($4.29 billion), the search giant said in a court filing.

Many companies large and small are updating their privacy policies and service terms to comply with upcoming European Union rules governing data and privacy. Google rewrote the privacy policy to make it easier to understand. (AP Photo)

The group representing iPhone users, known as Google You Owe Us, now includes 4.4 million people, according to documents filed with the court at a hearing Monday. The group says the Alphabet Inc. unit unlawfully collected people’s personal information by bypassing Apple Inc.’s iPhone default privacy settings.

While any potential damages are still to be determined, the group has suggested each individual could receive 750 pounds if the case is successful, Google said in court documents. The Mountain View, California-based company denies the allegations and argued at the hearing that the dispute doesn’t belong in a London court.

Privacy has been a hot topic for the manufacturers of the world’s most popular devices, from Apple to Samsung Electronics Co. to Google. In 2015, Apple allowed iPhone and iPad users to start installing content blockers -- software that can block ads on websites, for example -- on their devices as a way of giving people more control over how their data is gathered and used.

Led by consumer advocate Richard Lloyd, the group is seeking permission to hear the case as a “representative action” that is akin to a US class action, arguing that all the customers share the same interests.