Google Click Fraud Controversy

Google (Nasdaq:GOOG) So how solid are Google's real revenues. The National Law Journal reports that "More than 40 online advertisers alleging that the nation's top search engines conspired to overcharge them have filed objections aimed at unraveling a $90 million settlement with Google. The class action alleges that Google and others charged two advertisers for fraudulent clicks in pay-per-click advertising programs. Objectors say the proposed settlement is unfair, in part because they will receive only 10 percent of a $60 million fund. They're also not happy about the size of the attorney fees....

Although Google agreed to settle the case, claims still are pending against other defendants, including Yahoo Inc.; Time Warner Inc.'s America Online; and Ask Jeeves, now Ask.com, which is owned by IAC Search & Media, a wholly owned subsidiary of IAC/InterActiveCorp....

Under the settlement, class members who contributed 10 percent of Google's billions of dollars in revenue by paying for fraudulent clicks would receive compensation based on only 10 percent of the $60 million fund, or $6 million, the settlement also paid potential class members in advertising credits, not cash.