Google has proposed paying $8.5m (£5.5m) to settle a lawsuit brought over privacy violation claims concerning its Buzz social network. Those working in the area of data protection will be interested in the difficulties that Google has ended up in after launching its social network. Users initially were given relatively little control over who could see their network of contacts. The complaints about Buzz forced Google to bring in changes that made it an opt-in service and gave users control over who they have contact with. A reminder then for institutions that where changes and new services are being planned that impact on individuals’ privacy that data protection compliance should form a fundamental component of the evaluation process. Further details of the case can be accessed on the BBC website at – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11198297.