Oracle America, Inc., one of the tech industry heavyweights, is in the spotlight due to a significant class action lawsuit settlement. The company has agreed to pay $115 million to resolve allegations that it tracked and sold individuals’ personal data without their consent. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what this settlement means for you and how you can potentially benefit from it.
What’s the Lawsuit About?
The class action lawsuit accused Oracle of tracking various aspects of individuals’ online and offline activities—from web browsing to geolocation and in-store purchases. Allegedly, this data was collected via Oracle’s advertising technologies and then sold or shared with third parties without users’ explicit consent. Key products involved include Oracle Advertising’s ID Graph and Data Marketplace.
Why Is Oracle Settling?
Oracle has opted for a settlement to avoid the high costs of a prolonged trial. It’s important to note that this settlement does not imply that Oracle has admitted to any wrongdoing, nor has any court found Oracle guilty of these allegations. The settlement amount of $115 million is still pending final approval from a judge, with a hearing scheduled for November 14, 2024.
Who Can Claim the Settlement?
If you reside in the United States and your personal data was collected by Oracle’s advertising technologies between August 19, 2018, and the final judgment date, you might be eligible for a portion of the settlement. This includes data gathered by Oracle’s ID Graph, Data Marketplace, or other advertising products.
How Much Could You Receive?
The exact amount each claimant will receive isn’t yet determined. Of the $115 million settlement, up to $28.75 million may be allocated for attorney fees and other costs. The remaining funds will be distributed to valid claimants on a pro-rata basis. This means the amount each person gets will depend on the number of valid claims filed.
How to File a Claim
To file a claim, visit the official settlement website and submit your application online. The deadline to file your claim is October 17, 2024. Claims can also be submitted by mail if preferred. For detailed instructions, visit the settlement website or review the court documents related to the lawsuit.
Where to Get More Information
For more details on how to file a claim, important dates, and other pertinent information, check out the official settlement website. You can also access public court documents for additional insights into the case.
This settlement could offer compensation to many affected individuals, so if you believe your data was improperly handled by Oracle, it’s worth exploring your eligibility and filing a claim before the deadline.
