AOL sued over ads in e-mail
By now, most of us are used to the ads we see in our Web-based e-mail . But if you are paying for the e-mail service, those ads might be extra annoying.
At least one California man thinks so, enough to sue AOL.
Frank Cecchini claims in his lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, that he shouldn't have to see any of the "intrusive and misleading" ads that appear as text in the e-mails because he pays $25.90 a month for his service, according to a MediaPost article.
An AOL spokeswoman said the company does not comment on pending litigation. However, she said AOL subscribers can opt out of receiving the ads and the company tells anyone who complains about the ads exactly how to do it.
The lawsuit seeks class-action status and more than $5 million in damages. It alleges fraud, unjust enrichment, and California business code violations.
AOL has been offering free e-mail for the past two years but still sells dial-up subscriptions that include e-mail and other services.
Elinor Mills covers Internet security and privacy. She joined CNET News in 2005 after working as a foreign correspondent for Reuters in Portugal and writing for The Industry Standard, the IDG News Service, and the Associated Press. E-mail Elinor. 
You know what, shame on AOL ... I'm not a litigation-happy person, but stating people who pay that much for the service to "opt-out" is ridiculous. If anything, it should be an "opt-in" only thing for that much money a month.
Is that really 25+ dollars a month for email? Or is it for more? wow.
- by loose_screw October 24, 2008 3:42 AM PDT
- If he's paying $26 a month for AOL, he deserves to be bombarded by ads. Sucka!
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(3 Comments)