In an effort to resolve a class-action lawsuit, Google, owned by Alphabet Inc., has agreed to pay a $23 million settlement. This settlement aims to compensate individuals who clicked on Google search result links between October 2006 and September 2013. If you fall within this timeframe, you may be entitled to a portion of the settlement money. This article will guide you through the process of claiming your share and provide important information regarding the lawsuit.
Eligibility for Settlement Money
Who is Eligible?
If you clicked on a Google search result link from October 2006 to September 2013, you are potentially eligible to claim a portion of the settlement money. This applies to anyone who used Google’s search engine during this period.
Purpose of Settlement
The settlement aims to address allegations that Google violated privacy laws and breached its own privacy pledge to users. The lawsuit argued that Google stored and repeatedly disclosed users’ search queries and histories to third-party websites and companies without proper consent.
Potential Payout Amount
The estimated individual payout for the settlement currently stands at $7.70. However, this amount may vary depending on the number of valid claims submitted by eligible individuals. It is important to note that the final payout may be subject to change.
How to Claim Your Share
Submitting Claims
To claim your share of the settlement money, you need to visit the website set up by the settlement administrators. This website allows eligible individuals to submit their claims. Be sure to follow the instructions provided on the website and provide accurate information to ensure your claim is valid.
Fluctuations in Payouts
The final payout amount can fluctuate based on the number of people who make valid claims. Therefore, it is crucial to submit your claim within the designated timeframe to increase your chances of receiving the maximum possible payout.
Settlement Details
Lawsuit Background
The consolidated class-action lawsuit was filed against Google in 2013. The lawsuit accused the company of unlawfully disclosing users’ search queries and histories to third-party entities. The disclosure of such sensitive and personally identifiable information puts individuals at risk of identity theft.
Google’s Response
Google has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the class-action lawsuit. As part of the settlement, Google is required to update its frequently asked questions page and “key terms” page to provide more transparency regarding the sharing of search queries with third parties.
Court Approval and Payment Distribution
The settlement agreement is currently awaiting approval from the court. A hearing is scheduled for October 12 to determine whether the agreement will be granted final approval. However, even if the court approves the settlement, the distribution of payments may be delayed due to potential appeals. Individuals should remain patient throughout this process.
Filing a Claim
Claim Deadline
If you wish to file a claim, you must submit your full name, street address, and email address by July 31. Ensure that you gather all the required information and submit it within the specified timeframe to secure your eligibility for the settlement money.
Objecting to or Excluding Yourself from the Settlement
If you have objections to the settlement or wish to exclude yourself from it, you must complete and submit a form by mail before the same deadline, July 31. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions provided to ensure your objections or exclusion requests are properly considered.
Similar Lawsuit Settlements
Meta’s Settlement
In a similar fashion, Meta, Facebook’s parent company, settled a class-action lawsuit last year. Meta agreed to pay $725 million to address concerns related to its handling of user data. This highlights the increasing focus on privacy issues in the tech industry and the measures being taken to address them.
Conclusion
If you clicked on Google search result links between October 2006 and September 2013, you may be eligible to claim a share of the $23 million settlement that Google has agreed to pay. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can submit your claim and potentially receive a payout. Stay informed about the progress of the settlement and be mindful of the claim deadline to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity. Remember, protecting user privacy is of paramount importance in today’s digital landscape, and this settlement is a step towards holding tech giants accountable for their actions.