Google Buzz

littleowl

I have just received the following email. Could anyone explain it to me please?
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.

Not sure why I have received this when it specifically states it is relevant to US users only.

kwikbreaks

I didn't (or at least haven't so far) received one. If and when I do I'll delete it.

littleowl

It is a perfectly legit email - plenty of references on the Net to this class action. What puzzles me is why it was sent to me in the UK when it specifically refers to US users.

penrhyn

Yup, got one too!

Time to phone compensation lawyers for you!

HoofeHearted

I got one as well.

Where there's blame, there's a claim:T

kwikbreaks

HoofeHearted wrote: »

Where there's blame, there's a claim:T

Can I sue them for not getting the email?

kwikbreaks

littleowl wrote: »

What puzzles me is why it was sent to me in the UK when it specifically refers to US users.

from the sound of things they're sending it to all users - probably to ensure that it goes to all US users without exception.

Whatever the reason it is of zero consequence or worth so as I said originally - I'll just delete it.

HoofeHearted

kwikbreaks wrote: »

Can I sue them for not getting the email?

Yes, they have positively discriminated against you by not sending you the email.:beer:

kwikbreaks

HoofeHearted wrote: »

Yes, they have positively discriminated against you by not sending you the email.:beer:

If I were a US citizen I don't doubt I could.... and probably would

MICKG_3

kwikbreaks wrote: »

If I were a US citizen I don't doubt I could.... and probably would

I'm fairly sure its spam as well got my best mate living in the US at the moment will talk to him on SKYPE, he's a Security Expert 20 + years experience.

littleowl

I don't believe it is spam - there is no gain to anyone from sending the mail (or for anyone receiving it) and as I said, there is plenty of information on the Net regarding this Class Action.
The only reason I posted the original comment was because I was somewhat curious that it should be sent to UK gmail addresses. Perhaps, as one poster suggested, it is merely Google doing blanket coverage.