You may have received an email regarding a class action lawsuit against Google, LLC (Rodriguez et al. v. Google, LLC, 3:20-cv-04688-RS). The suit pertains to enterprise and personal Google email accounts and is not specific to Wake Forest University. However, given some applicability to @wfu.edu and @alumni.wfu.edu Google accounts, the University is providing these FAQs to promote awareness across the campus community.
The Plaintiffs in this matter allege that Google unlawfully accessed user’s devices and data, including app activity data, despite users having their “Web & App Activity” (WAA) and other supplemental settings turned off or paused. The dates of use/activity in question are between July 1, 2016 and September 23, 2024.
More information about the lawsuit, including instructions on how to opt out of the class and contact information for the attorneys representing the class members, can be found in the communication you received. If you do not see such a message, you may find it in the spam folder.
Please note: the University is not a party to this action nor is it a member of the class; we have provided some FAQs below but the University is not able to provide legal advice regarding the class action.
Which accounts were affected?
Some individuals may have multiple accounts impacted by this lawsuit, including personal, @wfu.edu and @alumni.wfu.edu Google email accounts, depending on the settings of those accounts for the period in question. Individuals who are considered a member of the class action will receive a notice delivered to the relevant account(s) directly.
How do I know if the WAA setting was enabled?
To find the settings for your specific account, go to myactivity.google.com. According to official guidance, “based on Google’s records, individual Notice is being sent directly to available email addresses for individuals whose Google Web & App Activity and/or supplemental Web & App Activity settings were turned off or “paused” at least once between July 1, 2016, and September 23, 2024.”
Is Wake Forest University Information Systems able to control or manage settings for individual wfu.edu and alumni.wfu.edu accounts?
Wake Forest University does not have the ability to control or manage this setting for individual accounts; these settings may only be controlled at the user level.
Where can I find more information?
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please refer to the email communication you received regarding this matter. You may also visit this website: www.GoogleWebAppActivityLawsuit.com. Please note: we have observed that some network filters may prevent access to this site. If this happens, please try a different network or the phone number listed in the notice you received, instead.
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