If You Were an AOL Member Between March 1, 2006 and May 31, 2006,

You May Be Eligible for a Payment from a Class Action Lawsuit

What is the lawsuit about?

In 2006, AOL made files containing some users’ search queries available on the Internet. AOL said that the data was anonymous. The lawsuit claims, however, that: 1) some users’ identities could be determined from the data, and 2) that AOL violated certain privacy and consumer protection laws by making it available on the Internet. AOL denies that it did anything wrong, and the Settlement does not prove otherwise. Both sides have agreed to settle to avoid the costs and risks of trial. A Court has not decided which side is right.

Am I included?

You are a Class Member if: 1) You lived in the U.S. or its territories at any time between March and May of 2006, and 2) Your search query data was available for download from research.aol. com in 2006. There is no way to determine based on your username alone whether your search data was included.

What does the Settlement provide?

The Settlement will provide up to $5 million in payments to Class Members. AOL has taken certain steps to reduce the possibility of a similar data release. They will try to help Class Members who have been, or could be, identified by thirdparty websites that claim to host the search data by asking those sites to remove that data. AOL will also pay certain fees and expenses.

How much money could I get?

You may be eligible for a cash payment of at least $50 from the Settlement. You will need to file a claim to get a payment. Your actual payment amount may be less than $50 depending on the number of valid claims received.

How do I get benefits?

The deadline for filing a claim has not yet been set, but you should file a claim as soon as possible because the claim deadline could be as early as July 26, 2013. Claim forms and details on how to file are available at www.AOLSearchDataSettlement.com or by calling 1-855-575-0127.

What are my options?

You do not have to do anything to remain in the Class, but you need to submit a Claim Form to receive a payment. Remaining in the Class will mean that you are bound by all orders of the Court and will not be able to sue AOL for the claims being resolved by the Settlement. If you want to sue AOL separately about the claims in this case, you must exclude yourself in writing by May 3, 2013. If you ask to be excluded, you cannot get a payment from this Settlement. If you stay in the Settlement, you may object to it in writing by May 3, 2013.

The Court will hold a hearing on May 17, 2013 to consider whether to approve the Settlement, a request for attorneys’ fees and expenses of up to $1.5 million (the amount of which AOL reserves the right to contest), and a payment of $9,900 for the Class Representative who helped the lawyers on behalf of the whole Class. If you wish, you or your own lawyer may ask to appear or speak at the hearing at your own expense.