If you used a Google search engine and clicked on a link anytime between October 2006 and September 2013, you may be entitled to a small portion — roughly $7.70 — of the $23 million settlement with the tech giant.
Key things
- If you used Google between October 2006 and September 2013, you could be eligible for a small payout.
- You could receive up to $7.70 of the $23 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit against the tech giant.
- You have until July 31st to file a claim, opt out of the settlement, or object to the settlement.
The settlement stems from a class action lawsuit filed against Google (GOOG, GOOGLE) a decade ago accusing the company of “storing and intentionally, systematically and repeatedly communicating its users’ search queries and history to third parties through ‘referrer headers.’ This practice impacts billions of searches performed by millions of consumers worldwide.
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible for a payout if you used Google Search at any time between October 25, 2006 and September 30, 2013.
What is a paycheck?
While the estimated payout is $7.70, it may change depending on the number of people who submit a valid claim.
How can I file a claim?
To claim, go to https://www.refererheaderssettlement.com/ and click “Submit Claim” on the right. Applicants must provide their full name, address and email address. On the website you will find other documents describing important dates and deadlines for submitting an application.
You also have the option, as part of your legal rights, to opt out of the settlement if you wish to be part of any other litigation against Google, or you may object to the settlement in writing in court.
When can I file?
Applications are now open and can be submitted until July 31st. No applications can be submitted after this deadline. The deadline for opting out of claims or objecting to settlement is also set for July 31.
When will I get paid?
It is unclear at this time when the payments will be distributed. The court will decide on the approval of the settlement at the hearing on October 12. Even if the court approves the settlement, appeals can slow down the payout process, according to the notice of lawsuits.