A $20 million class action settlement involving Yahoo Inc. and Yahoo Canada Co. has been approved by an Ontario court. If you had a Yahoo or Rogers account between 2012 and 2016, you may be eligible to claim up to $375 or receive other benefits as part of this settlement.
The deadline for submitting claims is approaching soon, so it’s important to act quickly. Here’s a detailed guide on what you need to know and how to claim compensation.
Yahoo and Rogers Canada Class Action Settlement
The settlement aims to compensate affected users for the inconvenience, expenses, and potential risks they face. While Yahoo and Rogers deny any wrongdoing, they have agreed to settle for $20 million to resolve the matter and provide some form of restitution to those impacted.
Eligibility for the Yahoo & Rogers Settlement
Canadians who had a Yahoo or Rogers account between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016, are eligible to claim compensation. This settlement arises from allegations that Yahoo had inadequate data security, leading to breaches that compromised personal information.
These data breaches potentially exposed sensitive user information, including email addresses, passwords, and other personal details, which may have made users vulnerable to identity theft and unauthorized access to their accounts.
Compensation Options for Eligible Canadians
Eligible individuals have three compensation options to choose from, depending on their experience and the impact of the data breaches. Each option provides a different type of benefit, allowing users to choose the compensation that best suits their specific situation.
1. Category A: Reimbursement for Expenses
- Costs Incurred: If you incurred costs or spent time dealing with the breaches, you can claim up to $25 per hour for up to 5 hours per breach. The maximum reimbursement is 15 hours across all incidents, which equals $375. This includes time spent contacting banks, updating passwords, or addressing any issues directly related to the data breaches. It is important to provide documentation of the time spent and any costs incurred to ensure your claim is processed smoothly.
- Premium Services Refund: If you paid for Yahoo premium services (like ad-free email) between August 1, 2013, and December 31, 2016, you could also be eligible for 25% of those costs. This includes services such as Yahoo Mail Pro or other premium subscriptions that may have been compromised during the breaches.
2. Category B: Compensation for Inconvenience
- If you were impacted by the breaches but did not incur specific expenses, you can claim up to $125 per breach, for a total of $375 if all three breaches affected you. This category is intended for those who experienced inconvenience or distress due to the breaches but did not have any direct monetary losses. For example, if you had to change passwords, notify contacts, or take extra security measures, you could be eligible under this category.
3. Category C: Credit Monitoring Services
- For those preferring added security, you can opt for two years of credit monitoring services instead of a cash payment. This service is valued at approximately $478.80. Credit monitoring can help you keep track of any suspicious activity on your credit report and provide peace of mind in case your personal information has been compromised. The service includes alerts for new accounts opened in your name, changes to your credit report, and other potential signs of identity theft.
How to Submit Your Claim
To receive your share of the settlement, submit a claim form by December 27, 2024. The form is available on the official settlement website. It is crucial to gather all the necessary documentation before submitting your claim to ensure a smooth process.
- Required Information: You will need to provide your Yahoo email address, documentation of any expenses incurred, and other relevant details. Documentation may include receipts, bank statements, or any proof that shows the time and money spent addressing issues related to the breaches. Providing accurate information is key to having your claim approved without delays.
- Submission Options: You can submit your claim online or request a paper claim form by calling 1-866-808-8075. The online submission process is typically faster and more convenient, but if you prefer a paper form, it will be mailed to you upon request. Make sure all sections of the form are completed accurately to avoid any issues with your claim.
Timeline for Receiving Benefits
After the claim submission period ends on December 27, 2024, payments will begin to be processed. Note that this process may take over a year to complete, as each claim needs to be reviewed and verified before payments are issued.
- Cash Payments: Eligible claims under Categories A and B will be paid via e-transfer or direct deposit. Ensure that the banking information provided in your claim form is accurate to avoid delays. If you do not receive your payment within the expected timeframe, contact the claims administrator for assistance.
- Credit Monitoring: If you choose credit monitoring, you will receive instructions on activating the service once your claim is approved. This typically involves receiving an email or letter with a unique code and instructions on how to enroll in the monitoring service. It is important to activate this service promptly to ensure your credit is being monitored effectively.
Background of the Settlement
The data breaches affecting Yahoo accounts began in 2013, with Yahoo issuing notifications in subsequent years. The first breach occurred in 2013, followed by additional breaches in 2014 and 2015. These breaches resulted in the exposure of user data, including email addresses, passwords, and in some cases, security questions and answers.
Such breaches posed significant risks to affected users, as their personal information could have been used for fraudulent activities or unauthorized access to other accounts.
The breaches eventually led to a class action lawsuit alleging that Yahoo failed to adequately protect account holders’ information. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit argued that Yahoo’s security measures were insufficient and that the company did not take appropriate actions to prevent or mitigate the impact of these breaches.
As part of the lawsuit, Yahoo and Rogers have denied wrongdoing but have settled to avoid further litigation and provide some form of compensation to those affected.
The settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of data security and the need for companies to protect user information. It also underscores the potential consequences of data breaches for both individuals and corporations, including financial losses, reputational damage, and legal action. Users are encouraged to remain vigilant, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor their accounts for any unusual activity.
