Google Reaches Preliminary Settlement in Class Action Brought by Advertisers in 2011

Settlement of Class Action Lawsuit - Google reached a preliminary settlement in a 14-year-old class action lawsuit with advertisers, agreeing to pay $100 million while denying any wrongdoing [1][2] - The lawsuit, initiated in March 2011, alleged that Google failed to provide promised discounts and charged for clicks outside targeted geographic areas [1] Legal Proceedings and Outcomes - The settlement requires judicial approval, and the lengthy legal battle was attributed to the extensive evidence gathered and mediation sessions [2] - In a separate case, a federal judge dismissed part of a lawsuit accusing Google of misleading investors about its digital advertising practices and user privacy protections, citing insufficient evidence from shareholders [3] Additional Legal Challenges - A 2023 lawsuit alleged that Google manipulated online advertising through preferential bidding and misrepresented the competitive nature of its ad market [4] - The Department of Justice is pursuing a court order to compel Google to sell its Chrome browser following a ruling that Google held an illegal search monopoly, with a hearing scheduled for April [5]