Google to pay $23M for improperly sharing search queries with 3rd parties (opens in new tab)

>The lawsuit claims that Google improperly shared Class Member search queries with third-party websites and companies between October 25, 2006 and September 30, 2013. Google denies any wrongdoing and the Court has not decided who is right or wrong. Defendants are entering into this settlement [...].

>You are included as a Settlement Class Member if you used Google Search and clicked on a Search link at any time on or between October 25, 2006 and September 30, 2013.

>Under the Settlement, Google will pay $23 million to make payments to settlement class members, payments to class representatives, attorneys' fees, litigation costs, and settlement administration costs related to the Settlement. Google will also revise its "FAQs" and "Key Terms" webpages to include conspicuous, clear and concise explanations of how and when search queries may be disclosed to third parties via referrer headers.

43 minutes of revenue.

This is the equivalent of me getting a thirty-six dollar fine. Except that Google earns money 24/7 and I only work 38 hours. For reference I just spent 15 dollars on lunch at Subway.

Already too late to file a claim, to object, or to exclude oneself from the class. Only 2 months including the date of the press release to do so (unless that was a reminder PR and not the initial notice). What an inappropriately short time period.