Networking site LinkedIn has agreed to pay out $13 million for overzealous marketing of its services on behalf of users. You’ve likely received one of the emails, which appear to come from a contact (below), saying something like, “Hi, I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” That line actually makes a fine universal cartoon caption, but LinkedIn then sent several similar follow-up emails without saying it would do so in its terms of service. Many users felt that made them look needy (the email mentions your contact’s name no less than five times), which is why they launched a class-action suit against the company in Lucy Koh’s California court.
LinkedIn agreed to the settlement, but only those who were members of its “add connections” program from September 2011 to October 2014 can collect. And the sum is likely to be small, though LinkedIn promised to increase the total amount by $750,000 if individual payouts are less than $10. Still, money is money, so if you’re willing to swear that the company spammed folks on your behalf, you can apply for compensation here.
[Image credit: New Yorker / Frank Chimero]
Via: Mashable
Source: Perkins v. LinkedIn