Google, Alphabet Seek to Force Privacy Class Action to Arbitration

Google LLC and parent Alphabet Inc. asked a federal judge Thursday to compel arbitration of users’ claims its Google Home feature intercepts users’ private communications without permission.

Those suing counter that the technology company simply waited too long to assert its arbitration claim, and waived it.

Judge Beth Labson Freeman of the US District Court for the Northern District of California, who’s handing the case, on Dec. 11 certified a nationwide class of purchasers of a Google-made device.

Thursday’s hearing involved Google’s bid to exclude purchasers who agreed to a class-action waiver and to have their claims arbitrated under agreements. ...