Google's $6m SMS spam suit nearing payout time

A class action lawsuit brought against Google for mass SMS spamming is drawing to a close, with a final hearing last weekup holding the $6 million compensation fund agreed a year ago.

Lawsuit against Google

The cash will be shared by lawyers and victims of the text message spamming that was carried out by Google subsidiary Slide, Inc., to push its Disco mobile messaging app. Any remaining funds will go to the non-profit International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

Google acquired Slide in 2010 for over $180 million, plus staff retention bonuses. The firm produced photo-sharing software and apps for Facebook and smartphones. Its Disco mobile app was launched in March 2011 which enabled group messaging, allowing users to add 99 members to a group with no opt-in on their part.

Lawsuit against Google | Naked Security