THE ROW between Google and its advertisers over 'click fraud' has been resolved in an Arkansas court. Judge Joe Griffin has approved a $90 million settlement. Google's advertisers claimed the company had improperly billed them for clicks that didn't lead to genuine customers seeking their products. By settling, Google has effectively agreed to provide credits which amount to a $3.80 refund on every $1,000 spent by advertisers over the last 4.5 years. The only people to get any cash out of this class action are the lawyers who will collectively get $30 million. Surprise, surprise. The complaint was started by a Texarkana, Arkansas company - Lane's Gifts and Collectibles. Beneficiaries include 19 out of the company's 20 largest advertisers. 556 advertisers notified the judge that they did not want to participate in the lawsuit. However, some of Google's smaller advertisers have complained that the decision switches the burden of proof onto them and they don't have the financial clout to do so. Judge Griffin countered by saying that their task wouldn't be impossible. Nicole Wong, a Google lawyer said the company was pleased by Griffin's decision . That's understandable since Google did not admit liability in the case, which also involves other Internet companies whose cases continue. µ http://www.theinq.com/default.aspx?article=33314
Yeah, ive been reading up on this, its all over the net. When a company this big has a settlement in the millions, its ALL over the place.
I was refunded 12 cents the other day in my adwords account . It came as quite a surprise but I really doubt that only $0.12 of what I have spent in adwords has been wasted in invalid clicks.