No one’s getting rich off Google Buzz privacy issues

Remember the flurry of hate that flew in Google’s direction after Buzz premiered which lowered the privacy wall for some users? Google sent out a “mandatory statement yesterday to all Gmail account owners stating a settlement had been reached and users will not be receiving money. Instead, the money will go to support organizations promoting privacy education and policy on the web. Those of us who thought the lawsuit would help pay our kids college tuition are deeply let down.

Google has agreed to pony up $8.5 million for the effort. “We are satisfied with the agreement and are glad to move forward,” said a Google spokesperson. “We have always been committed to offering users transparency and choice in Buzz and all our products, and will continue to work together with users to provide the best experience possible.”

Final approval of the settlement is slated for review in January of 2011. Those wishing to continue legal action individually will need to opt-out of the class action before the review.

Settlement site: [Buzzclassaction]