Google Buzz Class Action Lawsuit

So apparently there was a lawsuit going on against Google for there Google Buzz app: http://www.google.com/buzz

The Google Buzz app allows you to share photos, videos, and updates. Its almost like twitter, and it allows you to show your location on the map. Quite frankly I liked the idea, I used it plenty of times before and enjoyed it very much.

Here's the email from Google sent to all Gmail users:

Important Information about Google Buzz Class Action Settlement

 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

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The privacy lawsuit has been settled and Google has agreed to pay $8.5 million to a fund for privacy education. There's no settlement for users (sorry people who wanted free money). Google has been put under pressure by federal regulators for its street view app and now Buzz puts Google even more under the scope.