Facebook Axes "Beacon," Donates $9.5M To Settle Suit 71
alphadogg sends in a Network World piece that begins "Facebook has agreed to shut down a program that sparked a lawsuit alleging privacy violations, and set up a $9.5M fund for a nonprofit foundation that will support online privacy, safety, and security. The lawsuit centers around Facebook's Beacon program, which let third-party Web sites distribute 'stories' about users to Facebook. Beacon was launched in November 2007 and less than a year later plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit 'alleging that Facebook and its affiliates did not give users adequate notice and choice about Beacon and the collection and use of users' personal information.' ... Facebook never admitted wrongdoing but as part of a proposed settlement the company began sending notices to Facebook users this week. The settlement provides no compensation directly to users who receive the notice. Facebook users can opt out of the settlement, and should do so if they wish to pursue further legal action against Facebook related to the Beacon program. 'If you choose to do nothing and remain in the settlement class, you will be legally bound by the settlement,' a FAQ on the settlement Web site says. "By doing nothing, you will be giving up the right to sue Facebook and the other Defendants over claims related to or arising out of the Beacon program.'" Other defendents included Blockbuster, Fandango, Overstock.com, Zappos.com, and Gamefly. Neither the article nor the settlement site mentions what part, if any, they play in the settlement.
YOU ALL OWE ME $1000 (Score:5, Funny)
Sincerely,
Mr. Freeman.
Good trick (Score:1, Funny)
By us sending you this settlement, you agree to receive no compensation, and will be giving up the right to sue. Our clicking the send button constitutes your agreement.
Great. It's like opting out of responsibility.
Re:Parent is not a "Troll" (Score:1, Funny)
It's the digg crowd making its way onto Slashdot. They can't help themselves.
Re:YOU ALL OWE ME $1000 (Score:3, Funny)
If you read this post, you owe me me $1000. By doing nothing you agree to pay this money, in full, within 1 (one) business week. You must opt out of this by filling out a ream of paperwork which I will not provide you if you wish to avoid paying this money. If I do not receive this money in a timely manner, further legal action will be taken. Sincerely, Mr. Freeman.
I don't want any trouble so I will comply with uttermost urgency. Please post Your name, address, date of birth, SSN, bank and credit card information. This is for identification only so we can verify You as the lawful Recipient of these founds.
Your Humble Servant Mr Ali Issa.The Director Bank of Africa (BOA) in Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso .