From October 2006 to September 2013, individuals who clicked on Google search result links could potentially receive a portion of a $23 million settlement as a result of a class-action lawsuit. This settlement, agreed upon by Google, is now open for claims through a designated website.
The estimated payout per person is currently $7.70, although this amount may change depending on the number of valid claims submitted. Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, reached this settlement in August, responding to a consolidated class-action lawsuit filed in 2013. The lawsuit accused Google of unlawfully and repeatedly sharing users’ search queries and histories with third-party websites and companies, thereby violating privacy laws and breaching Google’s own privacy pledge.
The lawsuit emphasized that Google search queries often contained sensitive and personally identifiable information, such as real names, addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers. Allowing this information to be shared increased the risk of identity theft. Google has not admitted any wrongdoing, but as part of the settlement, the company is required to update its frequently-asked-questions and key terms pages to disclose how search queries can be shared with third parties.
The court will review and potentially approve the agreement on October 12, although it is uncertain when payments will be distributed. Appeals can prolong the process even if the settlement receives final approval in October, according to the claim notice from the administrator. Individuals wishing to file a claim must submit their full name, street address, and email address by July 31. Those who want to object to or opt-out of the settlement must do so by the same deadline through a mailed form.
In a similar vein, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, agreed to pay $725 million in 2020 to settle another class-action lawsuit concerning the handling of user data.
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