Beware if you used Google between these dates, you could be part of a lawsuit
The world's largest search engine, Google, has once again ended up in court with its users. But this time, the crowd opposing Google grows by the day.
Google LLC has recently been under the spotlight due to a proposed settlement related to a series of consolidated class action lawsuits. These lawsuits primarily focus on the issues linked to Google Search queries included in referrer headers and while offering specific Google services. If you happened to utilize Google Search and clicked a search link between October 25, 2006, and September 30, 2013, you may be eligible to join the settlement as a member of the Settlement Class. This article offers an exploration into the intricacies of this settlement, its consequences, and its relevance for you as a Google user.
The proposed settlement does not necessitate Google's admission of any misconduct. Instead, it seeks to resolve the allegations raised in the lawsuits. As part of the agreement, Google has agreed to a payment of $23 million, which would cover Settlement Class Members who file claims, legal fees, litigation costs, and the expenses of administering the settlement. Google has also pledged to refine its "FAQs" and "Key Terms" webpages for better clarity about the sharing of search queries with third parties via referrer headers.
Beware if you used Google between these dates, you could be part of a lawsuit
Understanding the legal rights impacted by this settlement is vital, irrespective of any action taken by the public. This announcement is an attempt to enlighten the public about the proposed settlement, their rights, available benefits, and options. Judge Edward J. Davila of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, who presides over this class action known as In re Google Referrer Header Privacy Litigation, has authorized this notice. The plaintiffs in this case, represented against Google LLC, intend this settlement to benefit all members of the Settlement Class.
To confirm your status as a Settlement Class Member, you need to ascertain if you utilized Google Search and clicked on a search result within the United States between October 25, 2006, and September 30, 2013. The Settlement Class also welcomes individuals who can represent these users, including representatives, heirs, administrators, and assignees. In case of any uncertainties about your eligibility or queries regarding the settlement, you can reach out to the Settlement Administrator via the contact page on the Settlement Website, www.RefererHeaderSettlement.com. The compensation each class member receives will hinge on several factors, including the volume of claims filed and the costs involved in managing the settlement. Currently, the expected amount per approved claim for American citizens is approximately $7.70.