Anyone know anything about this email I received from [apparently] Google? Is it legit? Am I receiving a cash settlement? What the heck does it mean?







Google rarely contacts Gmail users via email, but we are making an exception to let you know that we've reached a settlement in a lawsuit regarding Google Buzz (http://buzz.google.com), a service we launched within Gmail in February of this year.

Shortly after its launch, we heard from a number of people who were concerned about privacy. In addition, we were sued by a group of Buzz users and recently reached a settlement in this case.

The settlement acknowledges that we quickly changed the service to address users' concerns. In addition, Google has committed $8.5 million to an independent fund, most of which will support organizations promoting privacy education and policy on the web. We will also do more to educate people about privacy controls specific to Buzz. The more people know about privacy online, the better their online experience will be.

Just to be clear, this is not a settlement in which people who use Gmail can file to receive compensation. Everyone in the U.S. who uses Gmail is included in the settlement, unless you personally decide to opt out before December 6, 2010. The Court will consider final approval of the agreement on January 31, 2011. This email is a summary of the settlement, and more detailed information and instructions approved by the court, including instructions about how to opt out, object, or comment, are available at http://www.BuzzClassAction.com.

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This mandatory announcement was sent to all Gmail users in the United States as part of a legal settlement and was authorized by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

Google Inc. | 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway | Mountain View, CA 94043

Scarlet_Buckeye;543487 wrote:Just to be clear, this is not a settlement in which people who use Gmail can file to receive compensation.

I'd say it's pretty safe to say you won't be getting any cash.

No, you're not receiving a cash settlement.

"Just to be clear, this is not a settlement in which people who use Gmail can file to receive compensation. "

"In addition, Google has committed $8.5 million to an independent fund, most of which will support organizations promoting privacy education and policy on the web. We will also do more to educate people about privacy controls specific to Buzz. The more people know about privacy online, the better their online experience will be."

So what in the heck am I "settling" an agreement with/for?! What would I be "opting out of"?

Scarlet_Buckeye;543629 wrote:So what in the heck am I "settling" an agreement with/for?! What would I be "opting out of"?

From FAQ

8. What happens if I exclude myself?

If you exclude yourself, you cannot object to the proposed Settlement. However, if you ask to be excluded, you may sue or continue to sue Google about the same claims resolved by this Settlement in the future. You will not be bound by anything that happens in this Action.

It's so that you cannot sue them.

Since when was email the official way of notifying people about this kind of thing haha.

When it involves millions and millions of people it is.

Especially when everyone involved in this lawsuit has a Gmail account.

I'm still at a lost as to (a) what I should do and (b) why/how this pertains to me (in a positive and/or negative way)

Scarlet_Buckeye;543796 wrote:I'm still at a lost as to (a) what I should do and (b) why/how this pertains to me (in a positive and/or negative way)

if you feel your privacy rights have been violated and you are due compensation then (a) don't settle (b) Google may have gotten some private info on you, that you probably willing or would have willing given them anyway, but they may have gotten with out you knowing.

Just don't do anything.

I want paid! Now does this affect my currently mortgage refinance where it asks if I am currently part of any settlement cases?

I Wear Pants;543790 wrote:When it involves millions and millions of people it is.

Especially when everyone involved in this lawsuit has a Gmail account.

what about people who had a google account but no longer do

Bigred1995;543819 wrote:if you feel your privacy rights have been violated and you are due compensation then (a) don't settle (b) Google may have gotten some private info on you, that you probably willing or would have willing given them anyway, but they may have gotten with out you knowing.

So if I'm greedy I don't opt out; but what are the chances of ACTUALLY getting something out of Google?! I doubt it.

No, if you're greedy you do opt out. If you stay in you will not get anything and will not be able to ever sue Google over this.

If you're greedy you'd have to file your own lawsuit against them.

Glory Days;544610 wrote:what about people who had a google account but no longer do

You don't give your address to sign up for a Google account. How else are they supposed to contact people?