Google agreed to a $23 million settlement after the tech giant was found to have shared searches with third-party websites and companies without users’ explicit approval or explicit user consent. By the way. That may seem like a lot of money, but considering $23 million is only about 0.0082% of the roughly $280 billion the company generates annually, most of it is funded by advertising. not the amount paid. Google agreed to pay, according to the proposed class action settlement notice. However, it has refuted claims that it shared information and said the settlement does not admit wrongdoing.
What has Google been accused of doing that led to this settlement?
The basis of the class action lawsuit, according to the complaint, is that Google “preserves” the privacy of people who use Google to search for information, their search queries and histories, and intentionally, systematically and repeatedly exposes them to third parties. It is said that it is infringing by leaking it without permission. prior consent has been obtained.
The lawsuit alleges that Google’s search queries include users’ real names, addresses, contact information, credit card details, social security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive or personally identifiable data that significantly increases the likelihood of personal information. claimed to have been frequently included. theft.
As part of the settlement, Google also agreed to revise the “FAQ” and “Key Terms” on its web pages regarding disclosure of search queries via referrer headers with third parties. This disclosure is important because it helps Google understand how their search queries are shared when they click on search results and navigate to other of her websites.
Google headquarters in Mountain View, California. (Photographer: Malena Sloss/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
What are Settlement Benefits?
Within the scope of Google’s Settlement Agreement, Settlement Class Members will receive an equal share of the Net Settlement Funds. Each member of the Settlement Class is expected to receive a modest amount of money, only about $7.70. However, this number is only an estimate and may ultimately be higher or lower depending on the number of Settlement Class Members filing claims.
Am I eligible to submit a claim?
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The $23 million settlement benefits all Google search users who clicked on search results in the United States between October 26, 2006 and September 30, 2013. There are probably a lot of people in the world who fit that description. Being in this category, his $7.70 per capita figure is just an estimate and is not a guaranteed income for everyone.
How and when should I submit my claim?
If you believe you owe us money, you can visit our payments website to submit a claim. Complete the required online form or print the form, fill it out and mail it to:
Payment manager
Google Referrer Header Privacy Settlement
Inside the Kroll Settlement Authority
PO Box 225391
NY, NY 10150-5391
The Google logo was photographed at the Google India office building in Hyderabad on January 28, 2022. ((Photo credit: NOAH SEELAM/AFP via Getty Images))
Claims must be submitted online or must be postmarked no later than 11:59 PM Pacific Time. July 31st. The final approval hearing for the settlement with Google was October 12, 2023.
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What if I want to avoid the hassle of applying?
6 effective ways to stop Google from knowing everything about you
If you want to save yourself the trouble of submitting a claim, there are other options available. These options also include choosing to take no action. opt out If you believe the settlement should not be approved, approve the settlement in its entirety or object.
There is also a time limit to object to or opt out of the settlement.July 31st.
Please remember that if you submit such a claim, you will be charged with perjury. If you are unsure whether you are eligible to receive money from this settlement, please first refer to the Settlement Administrator’s FAQ page on her website.
If you want to save yourself the trouble of submitting a claim, there are other options available. (Kroll)
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It’s unfortunate, but not surprising, to find out that Google shares personal information with third parties. That’s why it seems right to me to refund Google’s users. As you may recall, last year Facebook’s parent company Meta agreed to pay $725 million to settle Similar class-action lawsuits related to mishandling of user data have also been filed. Don’t miss your chance to hold Google accountable. Make sure he submits his application by the end of July so that he can receive the money he is due.
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