Google agreed to a settlement of $23 million following allegations that it shared users’ search data with third-party websites without their explicit consent. While this amount may seem substantial, it represents a mere fraction of Google’s massive annual revenue of nearly $280 billion, primarily derived from advertising.

Related // How to claim your share of Facebook’s $725M settlement in privacy suit

The class action lawsuit against Google revolves around the infringement of users’ privacy while conducting searches on the platform. The lawsuit claims that Google stored and deliberately disclosed search queries and histories to third parties without obtaining proper consent from users. These queries often contained sensitive and personally identifiable information, including names, addresses, contact numbers, credit card details, Social Security numbers, and financial account information, greatly increasing the risk of identity theft.

Under the terms of the settlement, Google has agreed to revise its “FAQs” and “Key Terms” webpages to provide clearer information about the disclosure of search queries via referrer headers to third parties. This modification aims to enhance users’ understanding of how their search queries may be shared when they click on search results and navigate to external websites.

As a member of the settlement class, you have the opportunity to receive a share of the net settlement fund. The estimated amount per individual is approximately $7.70, although this figure may vary depending on the total number of claims filed by eligible individuals.

To qualify for a claim, you must have clicked on a search result in Google Search within the United States between October 26, 2006, and September 30, 2013. Given the vast number of users falling into this category, the estimated amount per person is subject to change and not guaranteed.

To file a claim, you can visit the settlement website and complete the online form or print out a form, fill it in, and mail it to the provided address below. The deadline for filing claims is July 31, with the final approval hearing scheduled for October 12, 2023.

Settlement Administrator 
In re Google Referrer Header Privacy Settlement 
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration 
P.O. Box 225391 
New York, NY, 10150-5391 

If you wish to avoid the process of filing a claim, there are alternative options available. You can choose not to take any action, opt out of the settlement entirely, or raise an objection if you believe the settlement should not be approved. The deadline for objecting to or opting out of the settlement is also July 31.

Note: Remember to review the FAQ page on the settlement administrator’s website to determine your eligibility for compensation.