Google - Lawsuit
Executive Summary
A class action lawsuit alleges that Google's package-tracking widget and UPS shared user data with at least 28 third-party companies, including Meta, Adobe, and Microsoft, despite Google's interface stating "only your tracking number will be sent to UPS." The complaint claims the tool transmitted tracking numbers, IP addresses, device details, Facebook account IDs, and advertising identifiers when users clicked the track button, with some data allegedly used to build consumer profiles and tar...
What Happened
A class action lawsuit filed on October 9, 2026, alleges that Google's package-tracking widget shared user data with at least 28 third-party companies when users tracked UPS packages, despite Google's interface stating that only tracking numbers would be sent to UPS. The complaint claims that clicking the track button triggered 415 network requests that transmitted tracking numbers, IP addresses, device details, Facebook account IDs, and advertising identifiers to companies including Meta, Adobe, Microsoft, and others. Additionally, code on UPS's website allegedly recorded users' screens, mouse movements, and keyboard inputs in real time and sent these recordings to Quantum Metric.
Who Is Affected
Users who tracked UPS packages using Google's search-based package-tracking widget are potentially affected by this data-sharing practice. The data collected could reveal personal information including recipient names, sender and recipient locations, and delivery address types, which plaintiffs allege were used by third-party companies to build consumer profiles and target advertisements.
Why It Matters
This lawsuit highlights a significant gap between user expectations and actual data practices, as Google's interface explicitly stated only tracking numbers would be shared while allegedly transmitting extensive personal information to dozens of companies. The case raises concerns about transparency in data collection when users interact with seemingly simple utility tools, and whether companies honor their stated privacy commitments when integrating third-party services.
What You Should Do
If you have used Google's package-tracking widget to track UPS packages, consider monitoring the class action for potential eligibility to join the lawsuit. Review your privacy settings on platforms like Facebook and Google to limit ad tracking and profile-building using your personal data. Going forward, consider tracking packages directly through carrier websites or apps rather than through search engines, and use browser extensions that block third-party trackers to reduce data sharing when you must use web-based tracking tools.
Summary generated from verified sources and reviewed before publication. How we summarize.
Sources
- US judge grants final approval to $68m Google assistant privacy settlement - MLex
- Google and UPS class action alleges package-tracking tool shares user data - Claim Depot
- Judge approves $68 million Google Assistant privacy settlement - Courthouse News
- US judge grants final approval to $68m Google assistant privacy settlement - MLex
- Judge approves $68 million Google Assistant privacy settlement - Courthouse News