Yes, the Google ‘Referrer Header’ class action settlement is real

VERIFY often reports on class action lawsuit settlements that offer affected customers money if they file a claim.

Now, people online are looking for information about a Google “Referrer Header” settlement. A VERIFY reader also asked if the Google class action settlement is real. 

THE QUESTION

Is the Google “Referrer Header” class action settlement real?

THE SOURCES

• Kroll Settlement Administration
• Google class action settlement website

THE ANSWER

Yes, the Google “Referrer Header” class action settlement is real. 

Sign up for the VERIFY Fast Facts daily Newsletter!

WHAT WE FOUND

Online search giant Google has agreed to pay a $23 million class action settlement over privacy concerns, Kroll Settlement Administration announced in a press release on June 1. 

The class action lawsuit claims that Google improperly shared people’s search queries with third-party websites and companies. Google has denied any wrongdoing, according to the settlement administrator. 

Kroll Settlement Administration’s press release directs people to referrerheadersettlement.com for claim forms and more information about the Google settlement. 

People were eligible to file a claim if they used Google search and clicked on a resulting link any time between Oct. 25, 2006 and Sept. 30, 2013, according to the official settlement website. The deadline to file a claim online or by mail has already passed.

People began receiving settlement on Jan. 26, 2024, according to the settlement website. Anyone with an approved claim who opted to receive their payment electronically will receive an email or text message from PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or their bank, or referrerheadersettlement@hawkmarketplace.com for virtual Mastercard payments. 

Each person with an approved claim is estimated to receive $7.16 from the settlement, the website says. 

Answers to more frequently asked questions about the settlement are available online.