Canadian residents affected by Yahoo’s data breaches from 2013 to 2016 are eligible to submit a claim for compensation from a $20 million settlement approved by an Ontario court. The deadline to submit claims is fast approaching on December 27, 2024. Here’s everything you need to know about the Yahoo Canada data breach settlement, including eligibility criteria, claim categories, and steps to submit a claim.
Background on the Yahoo Data Breaches
The class-action lawsuit was filed after multiple data breaches exposed Yahoo account holders’ personal information between 2013 and 2016. The breaches affected millions globally, including Yahoo and Rogers email account holders in Canada (Rogers email services are powered by Yahoo). The lawsuit alleged that Yahoo failed to secure user data adequately, resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The first breach occurred in 2013, with Yahoo issuing a public notice in December 2016. A second breach occurred in 2014, with notice provided in September 2016. Additional breaches between 2015 and 2016 were disclosed in early 2017.
While Yahoo Inc. and Yahoo Canada Co. deny any wrongdoing, they agreed to a $20 million settlement fund to resolve the claims without admitting liability.
Who is Eligible for the Settlement?
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Canadian Residency: You must be a resident of Canada.
- Yahoo Account Holder: You must have had a Yahoo account between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016.
Claim Categories and Reimbursements
The settlement provides two categories of claims, with specific reimbursements available under each.
Category A: Claims for Documented Expenses and Mitigation Efforts
Category A is for individuals who incurred expenses or spent time responding to the impact of the data breaches.
- Expense Reimbursement:
- You can claim cash reimbursement for expenses incurred within four months of receiving a data breach notice (either in 2016 or 2017).
- Out-of-pocket costs related to mitigating the impact of the breach are reimbursable up to $25,000.
- Wasted Time Compensation:
- You can claim $25 per hour for a maximum of five hours for each breach, up to a combined total of 15 hours if affected by all three breaches.
- Maximum compensation for wasted time under Category A is $375.
- Reimbursement for Paid Yahoo Services:
- If you paid for premium Yahoo services (e.g., ad-free email or Aabaco Small Business) between August 1, 2013, and December 31, 2016, you can claim 25% of the cost of these services.
Category B: Claims for Wasted Time Due to Data Breach Inconvenience
If you do not have documented expenses but still experienced inconvenience from the breaches, Category B allows you to claim reimbursement for wasted time.
- Wasted Time:
- You may claim up to $125 per breach, with a maximum of $375 for all three breaches.
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Additional Compensation: Credit Monitoring Services
The settlement also includes credit monitoring services for up to one year for affected individuals. This service is aimed at helping you monitor any potential impacts on your credit report due to the data breach.
Steps to Submit Your Claim
To apply for the settlement, follow these steps:
- Gather Documentation:
- For Category A claims, collect any receipts or proof of out-of-pocket expenses.
- For Category B claims, documentation of expenses is not required, but you will need your Yahoo email details.
- Provide Required Information:
- Your Yahoo email address, along with any documented expenses and supporting materials, is necessary to complete your claim.
- Submit the Claim:
- Online: You can submit claims through the official claim submission website.
- By Mail: Request a paper claim form by calling 1-866-808-8075 and mail the completed form by the December 27 deadline.
Important Dates to Remember
- Claim Submission Deadline: December 27, 2024.
- Eligible Yahoo Account Activity Period: January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016.
FAQs
1. Can I still claim if I don’t have documented expenses?
Yes. If you were inconvenienced but don’t have documented expenses, you can still claim under Category B for a maximum of $375.
2. How will payments be distributed?
Payments will be distributed after the claims deadline and any potential appeals. The exact distribution date will depend on the final claim review process.
3. What if I used Rogers email during the breach period?
Rogers email accounts powered by Yahoo are eligible under this settlement, so you can submit a claim if you used a Rogers email account during the specified period.
Don’t Miss Out on Your Settlement Benefits!
If you’re eligible, don’t miss the opportunity to claim your share of the $20 million Yahoo data breach settlement. With a submission deadline of December 27, 2024, time is running out to file your claim. Make sure to gather your information, choose the correct claim category, and submit your claim online or via mail.
For more details, consult the official claim submission site, or call the support number provided.
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