Alphabet Inc. subsidiary Google’s settlement of class allegations it disclosed user internet search terms to third-party websites shouldn’t pass muster because none of the $8.5 million payout will go to class members, objectors told the U.S. Supreme Court Jan. 3.
Consumer privacy education and research programs would get $5.3 million of the fund as cy pres—class settlement funds distributed in a way that indirectly benefits class members because it isn’t feasible to compensate them directly.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. hinted in 2013 that he was interested in getting this issue before the U.S. Supreme Court. “In ...