He also noted that the complaint did not provide adequate evidence to support the claim that Google intended to use sensitive data for its advertising purposes.
The Path Forward
As the hearing concluded, Judge Chhabria acknowledged that the case presented complex issues but emphasized the need for more concrete evidence. While the plaintiffs raised valid concerns about privacy, the judge expressed doubts about whether the allegations were sufficient to warrant a lawsuit against Google.
The plaintiffs are represented by several law firms, including Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP and Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC. Google is represented by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.
The case, John Doe I et al. v. Google LLC, is ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California under case number 3:23-cv-02431.
