AOL Faces Second Class-Action Lawsuit Over Version 5.0 Glitch

Strategic Insights -

A Washington, DC-based law firm, Yates & Schneider, has filed a second class-action lawsuit against America Online (AOL) in response to the widespread disruption of Internet connections caused by Version 5.0. The lawsuit alleges that AOL's new software, designed to provide a simpler online experience, has instead caused significant problems for thousands of independent Internet service providers (ISPs) and their customers nationwide. The firm claims that the installation of Version 5.0 changes default settings without users' consent, resulting in lost service and financial losses for ISPs.

Key Takeaways:

  • A second class-action lawsuit has been filed against AOL in response to the Version 5.0 glitch, seeking unspecified damages on behalf of over 6,000 ISPs.
  • The lawsuit alleges that Version 5.0 changes default settings without users' consent, causing problems for thousands of ISPs and their customers nationwide.
  • The firm claims that the glitch has resulted in lost service, financial losses, and damage to ISPs' reputations, including that of CapuNet, a Maryland-based ISP.
  • AOL defends its software, stating that the default features were developed in response to member feedback and that users can easily disable the features.
  • The lawsuit highlights concerns over the impact of Version 5.0 on ISPs, particularly those with dedicated connections, which can be corrupted and broken by the installation.

Statistics:

  • The second class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of over 6,000 ISPs.
  • The estimated number of domestic users affected by the first lawsuit is in the millions.
  • The number of hours of lost service per customer due to the AOL glitch is not specified.
  • The financial losses for ISPs are not quantified.
  • The number of downed connections for CapuNet customers is not specified.

Sources:

  • "Yates & Schneider LC Files Class-Action Lawsuit on Behalf of Independent ISPs Harmed by AOL's Version 5.0," Newsbytes.com, http://www.newsbytes.com