From hidden fees to data breaches, this month is packed with big developments in consumer justice.
A record-breaking payout from Mastercard has been approved. Google’s facing not one but two major lawsuits. And fresh data breach claims are piling up against high street names like Co-op and M&S. If there is a claim with your name on it, here’s what to know – and what to do next.
Google search advertising claim
Google is now facing two separate lawsuits in the UK over its dominance in the search advertising market — one from businesses, and a newly certified claim from consumers.
Last month, we highlighted the £5 billion group claim on behalf of UK businesses that paid for Google search ads. Now, a second claim has been given the green light, and this one could affect millions of UK shoppers.
The £7 billion consumer claim alleges that Google’s anti-competitive conduct led to inflated costs being passed on to consumers who bought goods or services online. It covers almost every adult in the UK.
You could be owed money if:
- You are aged 16 or older and live in the UK
- You’ve bought goods or services online since 1 October 2016
Where to sign up:
This is an “opt-out” claim, meaning if you’re eligible, you’re automatically included unless you choose not to be. Visit the official claim website for more details and updates.
M&S data breach claim
Marks & Spencer is now facing an ‘unprecedented’ customer lawsuit over its recent data breach. An article in The Grocer highlighted how hundreds of affected M&S customers had signed up to a potential class action, just weeks after the story broke. It also name checked Join the Claim as a go-to platform for connecting consumers with leading law firms taking on the case.
You could be owed money if:
- You are a M&S customer, Sparks member or employee
- You’ve been notified your data was involved in the breach
Where to sign up:
Think you could you qualify for a no-win, no-fee Marks & Spencer compensation claim? Find out instantly with our easy-to-use checker.
Co-op data breach claim
It’s official. A group action claim has now been launched following a major data breach involving the Co-op. In spring 2025, hackers claimed to have accessed sensitive data from customers and employees. Although the Co-op initially downplayed the incident, it has since confirmed the breach.
You could be owed money if:
- You are a current or former member of the Co-op
- You have received notification that your data was involved in this breach
Where to sign up:
Our claim checker is now live. Take two minutes to see if you might qualify for compensation.
Legal Aid data breach claim
In May 2025, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that hackers had managed to access a significant amount of data from the Legal Aid Agency. The breach happened due to a “significant” cyber-attack. The breach potentially affects anyone who has applied for legal aid since 2010.
You could be owed money if:
- You have used the Legal Aid Agency at any time since 2010
- You have received notification that your data was involved in this breach
Where to sign up:
Our claim checker is now live. Answer a few simple questions, and you’ll know if you could qualify for the Legal aid data breach group action claim.
Mastercard hidden fees claim
It’s official. After years of legal battles, Mastercard has agreed to pay out up to £100 million to UK consumers as part of a landmark class action settlement.
The claim alleged that between 1992 and 2008, Mastercard charged excessive fees to retailers. These hidden costs were then passed on to shoppers through higher prices. And the kicker? Even if you didn’t use a Mastercard, you still paid more at the till.
You could be owed money if:
- You were a UK resident on 6 September 2016
- You lived in the UK for at least three months between 1997 and 2008
- You bought anything from a business that accepted Mastercard
Where to sign up:
The official claim website is the place to sign up. Eligible individuals will have until the end of 2025 to submit their details. Compensation is expected to range from £45–£70 per person, depending on how many people join.
Microsoft data protection claim
A major civil liberties group in Ireland has launched legal action against Microsoft, accusing the tech giant of misusing people’s personal data.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) says Microsoft’s ad system is breaking GDPR rules through something called real-time bidding – the split-second process that shares your personal info with advertisers when you visit a website. The ICCL claims Microsoft is collecting and sharing more personal data than it should, and not always with proper consent.
While the case is being heard in Ireland, if Microsoft is found to be breaking the rules, it may open the door to similar claims here at home.
Register for updates:
We’re watching this one closely. If a UK claim is launched, we’ll help you check your eligibility and connect you with a trusted law firm.
Stay in the loop and don’t miss a thing with Join the Claim
Join the Claim keeps you updated on the latest consumer justice stories, breaking them down in plain English. Whether it’s a court ruling, a new investigation, or the launch of a group action, we’ll keep you informed.
Want the latest claim news delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up to our newsletter for quick updates, breaking developments, and insider info on what claims are heating up next.
No spam. Just useful updates that could be worth thousands.
