Google Buzz User Privacy Litigation Class Action Settlement Website
In re Google Buzz User Privacy Litigation, Case No. 5:10-cv-00672-JW
A class action Settlement has been reached with Google Inc. ("Google") that resolves litigation about privacy concerns arising out of Google’s social networking program, Google Buzz. The Plaintiffs allege that Google automatically enrolled Gmail users in Buzz, and that Buzz publicly exposed data, including users’ most frequent Gmail contacts, without enough user consent. Google denies the accuracy of Plaintiffs’ allegations and denies that it violated any law or caused any harm by the launch of Google Buzz.
Under the Settlement, Google will establish an $8.5 million Common Fund to fund organizations focused on Internet privacy policy or privacy education, as well as to cover lawyers’ fees and costs and other expenses. Google will also do more to educate users about the privacy aspects of Google Buzz. Since the inception of this litigation, Google has also made changes to Google Buzz that clarify its operation and users' options, including, in particular, changes regarding user information and control over Buzz's privacy settings.
The Class includes all Gmail users in the United States who were presented with the opportunity to use Google Buzz before November 2, 2010. Your legal rights are affected whether you act, or do not act.