If you used Google to search for something and clicked on search results between October 2006 and September 2013, you might be eligible to receive part of a $23 million settlement that Google has agreed to pay. This settlement is a result of a class action lawsuit claiming that Google shared users’ search information with third-party websites without permission.
Although Google denies the claims and states that the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing, they have agreed to pay the amount. To be eligible for a payment, you need to have used Google Search and clicked on a search result link during the specified time period. You must decide to participate by July 31.
To submit a claim, you can visit the website. There, you can choose to opt out or opt into the settlement. If you opt out, you register to receive a Class Member ID. If you opt in, you fill out a registration form and receive a Class Member ID via email. You can then enter your Class Member ID on the Submit Claim page to file your claim.
The expected payment amount for those with approved claims is around $7.70 per person based on current data. The settlement is scheduled for final approval on October 12, and users who disagree with the settlement can voice their objections to the court by July 31.
As a result of the lawsuit, Google will make changes to their FAQs and key terms pages to provide more information about when search queries are shared with third parties using referrer headers.
