Starting May 2025, eligible Google users in the United States will begin receiving payments from the highly anticipated $23 million privacy settlement.
This payout follows a long-running class-action lawsuit accusing Google of sharing users’ search queries with third parties without proper permission.
If you filed a claim, here’s a complete guide on when you can expect your payout, how much it might be, and what to do if your payment doesn’t arrive on time.
Google Settlement
The class-action lawsuit, first filed over a decade ago, accused Google of leaking users’ search terms to advertisers and third-party websites. After years of legal battles, Google agreed in late 2024 to a $23 million settlement fund to avoid further litigation.
The settlement doesn’t mean Google admitted any wrongdoing. Instead, it was a way to resolve the case and move on while compensating eligible users.
Who Is Eligible?
The eligibility criteria were straightforward. Anyone in the United States who used Google’s search engine and clicked on a search result between October 25, 2006, and September 30, 2013, qualified to file a claim.
The claim submission deadline passed on January 31, 2025. If you filed your claim by then, you should expect your payout sometime in May.
Here’s a quick recap:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | United States |
| Usage Period | Oct 25, 2006 – Sep 30, 2013 |
| Type of Use | Used Google Search & clicked a link |
| Claim Deadline | January 31, 2025 |
Amount
The exact payment amount depends on the number of approved claims. After legal and administrative fees are deducted from the $23 million fund, the remaining money will be split equally among those who filed valid claims.
Early estimates suggest payments could range between $5 and $15 per person, though final amounts could vary based on claim volume.
Payments
Claimants selected their preferred payment method when filing: PayPal, Venmo, or mailed check. Electronic payments should arrive faster, while mailed checks may take a little longer.
Here’s the estimated payment timeline:
| Event | Date Range |
|---|---|
| Payment Processing Begins | May 10, 2025 |
| Electronic Payments Expected | By May 20, 2025 |
| Mailed Checks Arrival | May 20 – June 5, 2025 |
If you opted for PayPal or Venmo, check your account activity in the latter half of May.
Don’t Receive Payment
If your payment hasn’t arrived by June 10, 2025, contact the settlement administrator. Make sure you have your claim ID and the email address you used when submitting your claim.
Delays can happen, especially if there were verification issues or a high volume of claims.
Why This Matters
This settlement is a reminder of how personal data is handled online and why reading privacy policies matters. It also highlights that users have the right to hold companies accountable for mishandling their information.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Google payout?
Anyone who used Google Search and clicked a result between 2006-2013.
When will payments start?
Payment processing begins May 10, 2025.
How much money will I get?
Between $5 and $15, depending on claim volume.
What payment methods are available?
PayPal, Venmo, or mailed check as selected when filing.
What if my payment doesn’t arrive?
Contact the settlement administrator after June 10, 2025.
