A sign on the facade of the headquarters of the personal genomics company 23AndMe in Silicon Valley… [+] Mountain View, California, October 28, 2018. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
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If you were affected by the recent 23andMe data breach, you may be eligible for compensation through a $30 million settlement. Here’s what you need to know about the returns available and how to file a claim.
Potential returns for affected customers
The settlement provides for three main types of damages, with a maximum of up to $10,000 for specific claims:
Unusual Claims: Customers who have experienced significant losses, such as identity theft or incurred costs for security services, may qualify for up to $10,000. According to HIPAA and Tech.co, affected individuals in this category must provide documentation, such as receipts or records of relevant expenses. This category is capped at a total of $5 million, which means payments may be prorated if there are multiple claims that exceed that limit. Health Information Claims: Customers whose sensitive health information was specifically disclosed can claim approximately $100. This category includes health information that was compromised as part of a data breach and is limited to $750,000 for all claimants. Legal Monetary Claims: Residents of California, Illinois, Oregon, and Alaska are eligible for a general compensation amount, expected to be approximately $100, if they receive notice of infringement and can confirm residency in one of these states.
These amounts may vary based on the number of claims and the total settlement funds available, especially since claims will be processed on a pro rata basis if demand is high.
How to submit a claim
To file a claim, you will need to visit the official 23andMe settlement website when it becomes available. The site will provide an online claim form and a downloadable PDF version if you prefer to mail it.
Remember, if you are filing an unusual claim, be sure to include supporting documents such as receipts or records of expenses related to identity protection or financial losses. Once completed, you can send your form to:
23andMe Settlement Manager
P.O. Box 301172
Los Angeles, CA 90030-1172
Keep an eye on the deadline to file your claim, as it will be announced once the settlement receives final court approval.
Additional benefits
All affected customers will also receive three years of security monitoring services, which includes monitoring identity theft and other potential security risks related to their compromised data.
For those affected by the breach, filing a claim is an opportunity to obtain some compensation for the misuse of your personal data. For more information about the settlement process, you can visit legal resources such as Claim Depot and Top Class Actions.
