In recent months, two significant class action settlements have emerged, with implications for millions of consumers across Canada and the United States. The incidents involve MGM Resorts International and Google, both of which have faced scrutiny over data breaches.
The first incident dates back to July 2019 when a cyberattack impacted over 37 million customers. Fast forward to September 2023, and MGM is now proposing a $4 million settlement for Canadians affected by this data breach. Eligible claimants can seek compensation for substantiated losses up to $20,000 per approved claim.
However, MGM denies all allegations regarding liability. As Diamond and Diamond Lawyers LLP stated, “MGM denies all allegations and liability. No court has found MGM liable. The parties agreed to settle to avoid the risk and expense of continued litigation.” This acknowledgment of ongoing legal battles highlights the complexities surrounding such cases.
For those who faced unsubstantiated losses, compensation is capped at $150 for one data incident or up to $300 if they were affected by both incidents. A hearing to approve this settlement is scheduled for May 25.
Meanwhile, in another corner of the tech world, Google reached a preliminary $135 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit concerning the misuse of Android users’ data. This settlement could potentially include up to 100 million Android mobile users in the United States.
To qualify for this Google settlement, users must have employed an Android phone with cellular data between November 12, 2017, and now. Payments are capped at $100—yet that doesn’t guarantee anyone will actually receive that full amount.
If you used an Android phone in the last decade or so, you’re in luck. But remember: “You have to be a real human in the United States,” as one observer pointed out about eligibility criteria.
The final hearing for Google’s settlement is set for June 23, which will finalize how much compensation eligible users will receive.
