This Google user data scandal shows why more people are using GrapheneOS (Update)

• A legal complaint has been filed against Google after it gave a student’s data to the government without notifying the user.
• Google’s own policy notes that, with a few exceptions, it will notify users before handing over data.
• This news also comes as Google-free Android forks like GrapheneOS gain steam, along with alternatives to Google apps.

Update: April 16, 2026 (2:43 PM ET): The Senior Staff Attorney at EFF, F. Mario Trujillo, has provided a statement to Android Authority, firing back at Google’s response.

Update: April 16, 2026 (12:06 PM ET): A Google spokesperson has reached out to Android Authority and provided a response, defending how it handled the user’s data.