Google Deleted My Files, New Class Action Lawsuit Over Drive Data Lost Without Warning
A new class action lawsuit claims Google deleted files from Google Drive accounts—including paid subscribers—without warning users their data could vanish. Plaintiff Devin Rose filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court (Case No. 25STCV36223) alleging Google violated California’s Unfair Competition Law and Consumer Legal Remedies Act by failing to warn users that files stored in Drive could be automatically deleted.
The lawsuit seeks to represent California consumers who paid for Google Drive subscriptions but lost files without notification. Here’s what you need to know if your Google Drive data disappeared.
What Happened With Google Drive Data Deletion?
According to the class action complaint, Google announced approximately two years ago (around 2023) that it would begin deleting data stored on unused or abandoned Google accounts. However, media coverage at the time reported this policy would not affect paid Google Drive accounts or active storage accounts that were being paid for.
Despite these representations, the lawsuit claims Google deleted files from paid subscribers’ Drive accounts without warning.
Key allegations:
- Google deleted files from Google Drive accounts without notifying users
- Deletions affected paid subscribers, not just free accounts
- Google never warned users that files could be automatically deleted
- Users relied on Google’s representations that their paid storage was secure
Who Is Affected by the Google Drive Class Action?
The lawsuit seeks to represent:
- California residents who paid for a Google Drive subscription
- Users whose files were deleted without warning or notification
- Consumers who relied on Google’s representations that paid storage would keep files safe
If you’re a Google Drive paid subscriber in California and lost files without warning, you may be part of the class.
What Legal Claims Have Been Filed?
The Google Drive class action alleges Google violated two California consumer protection laws:
California Unfair Competition Law (UCL)
California Business and Professions Code § 17200 prohibits unfair competition, including unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business acts. The lawsuit claims Google’s failure to warn paid subscribers about automatic file deletion constitutes unfair business practices.
California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA)
The CLRA protects consumers from deceptive practices in the sale of goods and services. The lawsuit alleges Google misrepresented that paid Drive storage would keep files secure when, in reality, files could be automatically deleted without notice.
According to the complaint: “Defendants, through agreement and consciously paralleled behavior, knowingly and intentionally sold Drive subscriptions without sufficient warning that files saved in Drive could be deleted automatically.”
What Is the Current Status of the Class Action?
The lawsuit was filed recently in California Superior Court, Los Angeles County (Case No. 25STCV36223). As of January 2026, the case is in early stages:
- No class certification yet – The court has not determined whether the case will proceed as a class action
- No settlement – Google has not agreed to any settlement terms
- Early litigation phase – Discovery and legal motions have not yet occurred
The plaintiff demands a jury trial and requests Google be ordered to repay class members or pay restitution.
What Compensation May Be Available?
The lawsuit seeks:
- Reimbursement for Google Drive subscription fees paid
- Restitution for the value of lost files and data
- Damages for harm caused by data loss
- Injunctive relief requiring Google to change its practices and provide adequate warnings
- Attorney fees and costs
No specific dollar amounts have been determined. Compensation will depend on whether the case settles, goes to trial, what the court awards, and how many users join the class.
How Google’s Inactive Account Policy Works
In May 2023, Google announced it would delete accounts that had been inactive for at least two years. The policy stated:
- Accounts not signed in or used for 2+ years could be deleted
- Content in Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet, Calendar, and Photos could be removed
- Google would send multiple notifications before deletion
- The policy would not apply to accounts with YouTube channels, active subscriptions, or organizational accounts
What Google said at the time: The company emphasized the policy targeted truly abandoned accounts and promised to send multiple warnings to recovery emails before deletion.
What the lawsuit claims: Despite these assurances, paid subscribers lost files without adequate warning, and Google failed to inform users that active, paid accounts could also experience automatic file deletion.
Similar Google Drive Class Actions
This isn’t the first time Google has faced class action lawsuits over Drive storage issues:
Local Guides Free Storage Case (2018-2020)
Andrew Roley sued Google in 2018 over the company’s practice of putting time limits on “free” terabyte storage promised to Google Maps Local Guides. In January 2020, U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman denied Google’s motion to dismiss, finding consumers presented enough evidence that Google made a binding offer of free storage and violated that promise.
The court ruled Google couldn’t simply terminate promised benefits after consumers fulfilled their obligations. That case alleged violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law and Consumer Legal Remedies Act—the same laws cited in the new data deletion case.
G Suite Legacy Free Edition Case (2023-2026)
A certified class action alleges Google improperly ended free access to legacy Google Apps accounts despite earlier assurances that users would retain continued access at no cost. The class includes U.S. users who signed up for free Google Apps between 2006-2012 and were still using free G Suite as of January 2022.
The opt-out deadline for that case is January 5, 2026. No settlement has been reached, but affected users will receive instructions on claiming compensation if one is approved.
What You Should Do If Your Google Drive Files Were Deleted
1. Document what happened:
- When you discovered files were missing
- What files were deleted (list as many as you can remember)
- Whether you had a paid Google Drive subscription
- Screenshots of your Drive storage status
- Any emails from Google about your account
2. Check if you can recover deleted files:
- Go to drive.google.com
- Click “Trash” in the left sidebar
- Files stay in Trash for 30 days before permanent deletion
- If files were deleted more than 30 days ago, they cannot be recovered through normal means
3. Gather proof of your subscription:
- Payment records for Google Drive/Google One subscriptions
- Bank or credit card statements showing charges
- Screenshots of your subscription status
- Emails confirming subscription renewals
4. Save all communications with Google:
- Any support tickets you opened about deleted files
- Responses from Google support
- Account notifications or warnings (or lack thereof)
5. Consider consulting a consumer protection attorney: If you lost valuable files and are a California resident with a paid Drive subscription, you may have legal options.
Your Rights as a Google Drive User
Under California consumer protection law, you have rights when purchasing services like cloud storage:
Right to accurate information: Companies must truthfully represent what their services provide and under what conditions.
Right to adequate warnings: If a company may delete your data, they must clearly disclose this possibility before you purchase.
Right to restitution: If a company breaches their promises or engages in unfair practices, you may be entitled to refunds or compensation.
Right to join class actions: If you’re affected by widespread company misconduct, you can join others in a class action lawsuit without hiring your own attorney.
Google’s Terms of Service: What They Say
Google’s Terms of Service include provisions about data deletion, but the lawsuit argues these terms don’t adequately warn paid subscribers:
What Google’s TOS says:
- Google may suspend or terminate services if you materially or repeatedly breach terms
- You retain ownership of intellectual property in your content
- Google may delete content for policy violations
What the lawsuit claims: These terms don’t sufficiently warn paid subscribers that files may be automatically deleted from active, paid accounts without specific policy violations or adequate notice.
The Broader Issue: Cloud Storage Reliability
This lawsuit highlights growing concerns about cloud storage reliability and consumer rights:
Who owns your data? While you technically own files you upload, companies control access and can delete data based on their policies.
What happens to paid storage? Paying for storage creates an expectation that files are secure, but terms of service often give companies broad discretion to delete content.
Are warnings adequate? Many users don’t read lengthy terms of service and may not understand their files could disappear.
Can you recover deleted files? Once cloud providers permanently delete files, recovery is typically impossible.
How to Protect Your Important Files
Don’t rely solely on any single cloud storage provider:
Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule:
- 3 copies of important files
- 2 different storage types (e.g., cloud + external drive)
- 1 copy stored offsite
Use multiple cloud providers: Don’t put all files in one service. Consider Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, or others as backups.
Keep local backups: Store copies on external hard drives or NAS devices you physically control.
Export important data regularly: Use Google Takeout to download copies of your Drive files periodically.
Read terms of service: Understand what your provider can do with your data and under what circumstances files may be deleted.
FAQs About the Google Drive Data Deletion Class Action
How do I join the Google Drive class action?
If you’re a California resident who paid for Google Drive and lost files without warning, you may automatically be part of the class if it’s certified. Watch for official notices if the court certifies the class. You can also contact the attorneys representing the plaintiff.
What if I live outside California?
This lawsuit currently seeks to represent only California consumers. However, if you’re in another state and experienced similar issues, you may be able to file your own claim or join a separate class action if one is filed in your state.
Do I need proof that Google deleted my files?
Ideally yes. Document when files went missing, what files were deleted, and that you had a paid subscription. Screenshots, emails, and payment records will help prove your claim.
Will Google restore my deleted files?
This lawsuit seeks monetary compensation, not file restoration. Once files are permanently deleted from Google’s servers, they typically cannot be recovered.
What if I only had a free Google Drive account?
This lawsuit specifically focuses on paid subscribers who relied on Google’s promises that their paid storage would keep files safe. Free account users may not be part of this class.
How long will the lawsuit take?
Class action lawsuits typically take 2-4 years from filing to settlement or trial. The case was just filed, so resolution is likely years away.
Can I file my own lawsuit against Google?
If you join the class action, you typically give up your right to sue Google separately for the same claims. If you want to pursue an individual lawsuit, you may need to opt out of the class (once it’s certified).
Has Google responded to the lawsuit?
As of January 2026, the lawsuit is newly filed. Google has not yet filed a public response or motion to dismiss.
What if my files were deleted years ago?
Statutes of limitations may apply. California’s statute of limitations for consumer protection claims is typically 3-4 years. If your files were deleted more than 3-4 years ago, you may be time-barred from recovery.
Will I have to go to court?
No. If the case settles, you’ll simply file a claim form. If it goes to trial, class representatives and attorneys handle court proceedings on behalf of the class.
Other Recent Google Class Actions and Settlements
Google faces multiple class action lawsuits and has recently settled several major cases:
$700 Million Google Play Store Settlement: Automatically paying over 100 million Americans who made app purchases between 2016-2023. No claim form needed.
$30 Million YouTube Kids Privacy Settlement: Accepts claims until January 21, 2026, for children under 13 who watched YouTube content between 2013-2020.
$425 Million Privacy Violations Verdict: A California jury found Google liable for tracking users who turned off data tracking. Google is appealing, and no payout date is set.
Incognito Mode Settlement: Google agreed to delete private browsing data but did not pay cash to users.
$1.375 Billion Texas Location Tracking Settlement: State enforcement action; money went to Texas treasury, not individual consumers.
The Bottom Line on Google Drive Data Deletion
A new class action lawsuit claims Google deleted files from paid Google Drive subscribers’ accounts without adequate warning, violating California consumer protection laws. The case is in early stages with no settlement or compensation available yet.
If you’re a California resident who paid for Google Drive and lost files without warning, document what happened and save all evidence. If the court certifies the class, you’ll receive official notice with instructions on how to claim compensation if a settlement is reached.
In the meantime, protect your important files by maintaining backups outside of Google Drive. Don’t rely on any single cloud provider for irreplaceable data.
Case Information:
Rose, et al. v. Google LLC
Case No. 25STCV36223
Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles
Stay informed about this case and other class action settlements by signing up for updates from legal news sources that track consumer protection lawsuits.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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