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You’re not going to walk away rich, but you may be eligible to receive funds from Google as part of a $23 million settlement of consolidated class-action privacy lawsuits dating back a decade.
If you were among the people who clicked on a link while using Google Search from Oct. 25, 2006 to Sept. 30, 2013, you may be owed a piece of the settlement.
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Each eligible claimant would receive approximately $7.70, according to a website established by the settlement administrators, though the sum could change depending on how many people file a claim.
The lawsuit accused Google of “storing and intentionally, systematically and repeatedly divulging its users’ search queries and histories to third parties,” a practice that “adversely impacts billions of searches conducted by millions of consumers.” Google, which is owned by Alphabet Inc., admitted no wrongdoing as part of the settlement.
Under the terms, Google will revise its “FAQs” (frequently asked questions) and “Key Terms” web pages to spell out “how and when search queries may be disclosed to third parties.”
How do I submit a claim?
Visit RefererHeaderSettlement.com for claim forms and other documents.
At the site, the first step is to receive a class member ID by supplying your name, address, phone number and email address. That ID will be emailed to you.
Upon receiving it, enter the number into the online claim form field where requested, and check off the “I’m not a robot” Captcha box. Next, fill in your name, address and other information marked by an asterisk, and check off the box attesting that you submitted a search query and clicked on a link during the class period. You can choose how you would like to be paid: via prepaid Mastercard, PayPal, Venmo, direct deposit or Zelle. You will have to electronically sign the document.
When is the deadline?
An online claim must be filed no later than July 31, 2023. You can also mail in the form by that date to:
In re Google Referrer Header Privacy Settlement
ATTN: Claim Form
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration
P.O. Box 225391
New York, NY 10150-5391
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