How about starting your day with some unexpected good news? In the event that you’ve been a standard client of Google somewhere between 2006 and 2013, you may be in for an unexpected treat.
The tech monster, known for its universal web index, has agreed to pay an incredible $23 million to settle a long-running claim. And guess what? You could get a slice of that pie!
What’s This All About, Anyway?
You may be asking yourself, “Why is Google spending millions?” So, it all began when some sharp-eyed customers picked up on a red flag.
They alleged that without their consent, Google was disclosing their search searches to advertisers or other third parties.
The plaintiffs and Google engaged in a 12-year court struggle, which Google ultimately prevailed in.
In spite of the fact that they haven’t admitted any responsibility, Google ultimately decided to remedy the issue. It’s like a game of chess where Google decided to call it a draw!
So, Who’s Eligible for This Windfall?
Who gets to dip their hands into this pot of gold? If you used Google Search and clicked on a search result in the United States between Oct. 26, 2006, and Sept. 30, 2013, you’re eligible to apply for a share of the settlement. No proof of purchase is required, so don’t worry about digging up old receipts! It’s like finding a forgotten lottery ticket in your old jeans, and it turns out to be a winner!
How Do I Get My Hands on This Money?
So, you’re eligible. Great! But how do you claim your share? To get your share, you need to submit a claim by July 31, 2023. You can do this by visiting www.refererheadersettlement.com and filling out a claim form. If you received a notification about the settlement and were given a class member ID, you can use that to submit your claim. If not, you’ll need to register for a class member ID on the settlement site first.
What If I Need Help with My Claim?
Help is at hand! If you need help, you can contact the Settlement Administrator by calling toll-free 1-833-512-2306, emailing info@refererheadersettlement.com, or mailing your request to In re Google Referrer Header Privacy Settlement, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration, P.O. Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391. It’s like having a guide to help you navigate the treasure map!
How Much Moolah Can I Expect?
Now, the million-dollar question (or, should we say, the $7.70 question?). Each person who files an approved claim may get around $7.70, but the final amount will depend on how many other users submit valid claims. So, while it might not be a fortune, it’s a nice little bonus for something you did years ago! It’s like finding a few extra bucks in your old winter coat!
When Will I Get Paid?
Patience, my friend! Settlement payments will be distributed after the court grants final approval of the settlement and after any appeals are resolved. A final approval hearing for the settlement of this case is currently scheduled for Oct. 12, 2023.
What If I Decide to Do Nothing?
Well, if you decide to sit back and relax, you won’t receive a payment from the settlement. Plus, you’ll forfeit your right to sue Google about the legal issues in this matter. So, it’s definitely worth a few minutes of your time to submit a claim. Think of it as a quick sprint to the finish line—a little effort now could pay off in the end!
What’s the Catch?
This might seem too good to be true, in your opinion. There’s no catch, really. In any case, remember that when you present a claim, you’re doing so under the penalty of prevarication. So, make sure you’re honest about your Google Search usage during the specified period. It’s like playing a game of truth or dare, only in this case, you definitely want to stick to the truth!
What’s the Official Word?
Visit the referrerheadersettlement.com official settlement website, for the most current and accurate information.
You can submit your claim, look up any modifications, and see all the settlement-related legal documents here. Keep in mind that the cutoff time to record a case is July 31, 2023, and the last endorsement hearing is booked for October 12, 2023.
So, there you have it, folks! If you’ve been using Google Search between 2006 and 2013, don’t miss out on this opportunity. It’s not every day that you get a chance to claim a piece of a $23 million pie! So, put on your adventure hat, follow the map, and claim your treasure. Happy hunting!
References
- Top Class Actions: This is where we first caught wind of the Google settlement. They’ve got a knack for keeping tabs on the latest class action lawsuits. You can check out their article here.
- KARE 11: This news outlet provided a handy guide on how to submit a claim. They’re like the compass guiding us through the maze of legal jargon. You can read their article here.
- Bloomberg Law: They gave us the lowdown on the lawsuit’s history. It’s like a time machine taking us back to the start of this legal saga. You can find their article here.
- Referer Header Settlement: This is the official settlement website, the treasure map leading us to the $23 million pie! You can visit the website here.