Google Buzz

Google rarely contacts Gmail users via email, but we are making an  
exception to let you know that we've reached a settlement in a lawsuit  
regarding Google Buzz (http://buzz.google.com), a service we launched  
within Gmail in February of this year.
 
Shortly after its launch, we heard from a number of people who were  
concerned about privacy. In addition, we were sued by a group of Buzz users  
and recently reached a settlement in this case.
 
The settlement acknowledges that we quickly changed the service to address  
users' concerns. In addition, Google has committed $8.5 million to an  
independent fund, most of which will support organizations promoting  
privacy education and policy on the web. We will also do more to educate  
people about privacy controls specific to Buzz. The more people know about  
privacy online, the better their online experience will be.
 
Just to be clear, this is not a settlement in which people who use Gmail  
can file to receive compensation. Everyone in the U.S. who uses Gmail is  
included in the settlement, unless you personally decide to opt out before  
December 6, 2010. The Court will consider final approval of the agreement  
on January 31, 2011. This email is a summary of the settlement, and more  
detailed information and instructions approved by the court, including  
instructions about how to opt out, object, or comment, are available at  
http://www.BuzzClassAction.com.