Examples:

• • Michael’s secret Oracle profile allegedly contained his web searches, ecommerce purchases, real-world store visits and more.
  • Jennifer was unaware that Oracle allegedly monitored her online reading habits, inferring interests for ad targeting.
  • Oracle was accused of intercepting electronic communications between unsuspecting website visitors and websites.
  • Suit claimed Oracle made billions by charging advertisers and others for access to consumers’ digital footprints.
  • Oracle argued its activities complied with contracts, terms of use and privacy policies agreed to by consumers.

Key Takeaways:

• • Oracle allegedly gathered data on consumers from online and real-world sources without consent to sell access to.
  • The lawsuit claimed this compilation of personal digital dossiers violated privacy rights and wiretap statutes.
  • Plaintiffs sought to represent a class of U.S. residents whose data Oracle collected from 2018-2024.
  • Oracle disputed the allegations but agreed to a large settlement to end the litigation.
  • Eligible class members can now claim a share of the $115 million settlement fund.

FAQs:

• • What data was Oracle accused of wrongfully collecting? The suit alleged Oracle tracked and compiled people’s web browsing histories, online and offline purchases, geolocation, and other info.
  • Did Oracle admit fault in settling? No, Oracle expressly denies the allegations and admits no wrongdoing or liability by settling.
  • What Makes Someone Eligible for a Payout in the Oracle Case? U.S. residents whose data Oracle collected between Aug. 2018 and the date the court grants final approval.
  • What brands were involved in Oracle’s alleged data collection? Plaintiffs claimed Oracle’s “ID Graph” and “Data Marketplace” products aggregated info on consumers.
  • How do I know if Oracle had data on me? Most class members likely won’t know for sure, but if you live in the U.S., you’re probably included.

Examples:

• • Sarah lived in California from 2018-2023, so is considered a class member, but moved abroad in 2024 so is no longer “residing” in the U.S.
  • Terrell visited the U.S. for a 2-week vacation in 2021. This temporary “residence” likely does not qualify him for the class.
  • Gabriela had data collected by Oracle’s BlueKai and ID Graph products in 2019-2022, so she meets the class definition.
  • Frank had profiles in the Data Marketplace product offered to advertisers by Oracle, so is encompassed by the class.
  • Judge Seeborg is presiding over the case, so he and his immediate family and staff are excluded from the class.

How to Determine Eligibility:

• • As a U.S. resident, assume you are likely included in the class unless you have info indicating Oracle excluded your data.
  • Having an online presence, making purchases electronically or in stores, and using common digital devices/services makes inclusion probable.
  • Class members do not need to definitively prove Oracle collected their data – all U.S. residents during the relevant period are presumed class members.
  • If you previously signed an agreement with Oracle waiving your right to bring claims, you may not qualify.
  • When in doubt, submit a claim – the Settlement Administrator will vet eligibility and potential exclusions.

FAQs:

• • What if I only lived in the U.S. for part of 2018-2024? You qualify as a class member for the period of time you resided in the U.S.
  • Does it matter in which state I reside? No, all U.S. residents during the class period are included regardless of particular state.
  • What if I’m not sure Oracle collected data on me? Most class members won’t know for certain. When in doubt, file a claim.
  • Can businesses recover if Oracle gathered their data? Businesses and organizations cannot recover money from this settlement; only individual people qualify.
  • Are minors included in the settlement class? Yes, if they resided in the U.S. during the relevant time period.

Examples:

• • If 1 million class members file valid claims from the estimated 220 million member class, each claimant would get about $78.
  • Mark submitted a claim and elected to receive his payment via Venmo, while Julie opted for a traditional paper check.
  • To visit a website, Ana was unknowingly redirected through Oracle servers that recorded her URL history, a practice Oracle will halt.
  • Oracle’s new auditing program aims to hold its advertiser customers accountable for respecting people’s privacy rights.
  • Shortly after agreeing to this settlement, Oracle announced plans to shut down its ad tech business altogether by the end of 2024.

Key Takeaways:

• • The $115M fund provides significant monetary relief compared to other data privacy settlements, with payments to all class members who file valid claims.
  • Claimants have multiple convenient electronic payment options to receive their settlement share, in addition to traditional checks.
  • The settlement requires Oracle to make meaningful changes to its data collection practices and oversight of customer compliance with consumer privacy terms.
  • While monetary relief is substantial, non-monetary provisions are equally important to prevent similar alleged privacy harms in the future.
  • With Oracle shutting down the ad tech business at issue, class members benefit from both retrospective compensation and prospective privacy protections.

FAQs:

• • How much will each class member get? Individual payouts hinge on total claimants but could be extremely low if there is an extremely large number of claimants.
  • When will class members be paid? Class members can expect their settlement money within a few months of the final approval hearing, assuming the judge signs off and no appeals delay distribution.
  • What if I had multiple devices Oracle collected data from? You may submit only one claim form regardless of number of devices.
  • Will Oracle still gather user data after the settlement? Oracle must stop collecting certain user-generated URL content and web form inputs.
  • What happens to my data Oracle already collected? The settlement doesn’t require data deletion but Oracle stated it will eventually purge ad tech data.

Examples:

• • Marc visited www.KatzPrivacySettlement.com, clicked the “Submit a Claim” button and filled out the form in about 2 minutes.
  • Rachel downloaded a hard copy claim form, printed it, filled in her info by hand, signed it and mailed it in well before the deadline.
  • In the claim form, Ava attested she’s a U.S. resident and Oracle collected her data without permission at some point in 2018-2024.
  • Preferring electronic payment, Jake entered his Venmo details, while Nancy opted to get a physical check by mail.
  • Though Malik had multiple devices he thinks Oracle gathered data from, he submitted only one claim form as required.

Filing Tips:

• • File your claim online if possible for faster processing. The mobile-friendly website allows you to submit from a smartphone.
  • If filing by mail, be sure the envelope is postmarked by the deadline. For proof of mailing, consider using certified mail.
  • Provide the most current contact info and payment preferences, as it may be months until payments go out after final approval.
  • Keep a copy of your submitted claim form and watch your email and the settlement website for updates on the claims process.
  • If your claim is rejected for being incomplete, respond promptly to the Settlement Administrator to fix any deficiencies.

FAQs:

• • How long does it take to file a claim? The online claim form should take 3 minutes or less to complete, for most individuals.
  • Consequences of a missed claim deadline? The court may accept late claims for good cause, but there are no guarantees, so file on time.
  • Can I edit my claim after submitting? If you made a mistake, promptly contact the Settlement Administrator to see if changes are permitted.
  • How will I know my claim was received? The settlement website should display a confirmation message. You also get an email, if submitted online.
  • When will I get my payment? Distribution timing depends on the court’s final approval and any appeals, but likely within several months of the final approval hearing.

Examples:

• • Not feeling strongly about the settlement either way, Kai took no action, remained a settlement class member, and filed a claim.
  • Wanting to pursue his own case, Damien mailed a written request to opt out, got it postmarked by 10/17/24, and gave up any right to class relief.
  • Unhappy with the settlement terms, Isabelle wrote to the Court, objecting to the amount of attorneys’ fees and the claims process.
  • After objecting in writing, Ethan also asked to speak at the final hearing so the judge could hear his concerns directly before deciding whether to approve the deal.
  • Confused, Oliver both objected and opted out, but this nullified his objection, so he was treated as opted out and got no settlement benefits.

Key Considerations:

• • Think carefully before opting out – you can’t change your mind later, and pursuing your own case can be expensive and risky.
  • If you opt out but your own case is not successful, you get no recovery from this or any future class settlement for the same issues.
  • Objecting to the settlement doesn’t exclude you from the class. If your objection is overruled, you’re still bound by the settlement terms.
  • Objections can improve settlement terms, but courts often approve them over objections. Opting out gives more individual control.
  • Consider your individual circumstances carefully and consult an attorney if needed to decide whether to opt out, object, or stay in the class.

FAQs:

• • Deadline to opt out or object? Your opt out request or objection must be postmarked or filed with the Court by 10/17/24.
  • Phone or email opt-out available? No, opt out requests must be in writing and mailed in. There’s no form, but include the required info.
  • Could the settlement be rejected based on objections? Unlikely, given the strong relief, but the judge will consider all objections carefully.
  • Is an attorney needed to opt out or object? No, you can do so yourself, but consult an attorney if you need individual assistance.
  • What if I do nothing? If you don’t opt out, you give up your right to sue Oracle individually for the claims resolved by this settlement.

Questions: Claims Process & Benefits

• • 1. How do most class members file a claim?
    • A) Via mailing a completed paper claim form
    • B) Through an online claim form on the settlement website
    • C) By calling the Settlement Administrator to provide claim details
    • D) No claim is required to get a payment
  • 2. Deadline for filing a claim?
    • A) August 29, 2024
    • B) October 17, 2024
    • C) December 31, 2024
    • D) No deadline
  • 3. How much will each class member get paid?
    • A) A few dollars
    • B) $50-$150, estimated
    • C) $500 or more
    • D) Depends on how much data Oracle collected on them
  • 4. What types of injunctive relief does the settlement provide?
    • A) Limitations on Oracle’s collection of user URLs/form inputs
    • B) Audits of Oracle customers’ privacy compliance
    • C) Shuttering of Oracle’s ad tech biz
    • D) All of the above
  • 5. How can class members choose to get their payment?
    • A) Paper check only
    • B) Direct deposit only
    • C) Several digital options like Zelle/Venmo or check
    • D) No payment choices are offered

Answers: Claims Process & Benefits

• • 1. B) Most people submit claims quickly via the online form at the official settlement website.
  • 2. B) The deadline for class members to file claims, opt out, or object, is October 17, 2024.
  • 3. B) Class members will likely get $50-$150 each, depending on number of claimants.
  • 4. D) The settlement provides all these non-monetary benefits to reform Oracle’s practices.
  • 5. C) Claimants have diverse payment options like Zelle, Venmo, ACH transfer, virtual card, or check.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only, as a summary of the key claims, settlement benefits, and options in the Katz-Lacabe v. Oracle America class action.

Class members should rely on the official long form notice and settlement website for authoritative details.