After getting hit with a class action suit in 2013 for sending too many emails to users, LinkedIn agreed to settle out of court for $13 million. The way the company announced the decision was through yet another email.
The court case Perkins v. LinkedIn Corporation landed in California court after people complained that the social media site for professionals and businesses was sending too many emails about adding connections — those emails saying “Hi, I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”
When using the “add connections” feature on the LinkedIn, users would give the company permission to access their email account and contact list. LinkedIn then sent out invitations based on users’ contact lists, suggesting people connect on LinkedIn.
The court agreed LinkedIn overstepped its bounds after the initial invitation emails were sent. If those emails invitations went unanswered, LinkedIn sent another email. Then, another one after that. These constant reminder emails landed the social media giant in deep water, according to Digital Trends, because users did not give consent for so many emails to be sent.
“Ultimately, we decided to resolve this case so that we can put our focus where it matters most: finding additional ways to improve our members’ experiences on LinkedIn,” LinkedIn told Business Insider. “In doing so, we will continue to be guided by our core value — putting our members first.”
After the court decision was made, LinkedIn sent yet another email to its roughly 360 million users around dinner time last Friday night, announcing the settlement. (RELATED: Apple’s Siri About To Become Much More Realistic And Human-Like)
Anyone who used the “add connection” feature on LinkedIn between Sept. 17, 2011 and Oct. 31, 2014, and received reminder emails is eligible to get a piece of the settlement, but will need to fill out a claim application before Dec. 14, Business Insider reported.
LinkedIn also agreed in the settlement to reconstruct email regulations within the company, which will be implemented before the end of the year, according to Newsweek.