In a major class-action lawsuit settlement, Meta (the parent company of Facebook) has agreed to pay $725 million to resolve claims that it mishandled user data. This settlement follows the infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal, where millions of Facebook users’ data was misused for political purposes. If you used Facebook in the U.S. between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, you may be eligible for compensation. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the payout date, how much you might receive, and what steps you need to take.
Facebook Settlement Details You Should Know
Meta has agreed to pay a total of $725 million to settle a lawsuit that accused Facebook of mishandling user data. This settlement is a step forward in holding tech companies accountable for how they handle personal information. If you filed a claim before the August 2023 deadline and qualify for the payout, you should expect to receive your compensation by mid-2024.
Here are some important points about the Facebook settlement:
- Total payout: $725 million
- Eligible period: If you were a Facebook user between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022
- Claim deadline: You had to submit a claim by August 25, 2023
- Payout date: Expected to be in mid-2024
- Average payout: Around $30 per eligible user (based on how long your account was active)
- How to check: Visit the official settlement website to track your claim status
The Story Behind the Settlement
The settlement is the result of a lawsuit accusing Facebook of sharing users’ private information with third parties, including the British consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. This company misused personal data of over 87 million Facebook users to influence voters in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Though Meta denied any wrongdoing, they agreed to pay $725 million to settle the case and avoid further legal action. The U.S. District Court approved the settlement on October 10, 2023. For those who filed claims before the deadline, the payout is expected to come in mid-2024, marking a significant moment in data privacy law.
Who Qualifies for the Facebook Settlement?
To be eligible for compensation, you must have been a Facebook user in the U.S. between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022. However, only those who filed a claim before the deadline of August 25, 2023, will receive compensation. Even if you deleted your account during this period, you were still able to file a claim as long as you did so before the deadline.
What Will the Settlement Pay Out?
Meta’s $725 million settlement is expected to benefit around 17 million users. While the average payout is estimated to be around $30 per person, the amount could vary depending on how long you were an active user during the eligible period. Users who had accounts for a longer time may receive slightly higher payouts than those who were on the platform for a shorter period.
When Will Payments Be Issued?
The initial expectation was that the payments would begin in early 2024. However, due to some legal challenges and appeals, the distribution of payments has been delayed. As of now, payments are expected to begin around June or July 2024. This timing may change depending on how quickly any ongoing legal proceedings are resolved. If all issues are cleared early, payouts may happen in mid-2024.
Conclusion
The Facebook settlement represents a significant moment in data privacy law. With Meta agreeing to pay $725 million, this case highlights the growing concerns over how tech companies handle user data. If you were eligible and filed a claim by the August 2023 deadline, you can expect your payout by mid-2024. While the average payout might be around $30, the settlement sends a strong message about the importance of protecting personal data. Make sure to stay updated and check the status of your claim on the official settlement website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I still file a claim for the Facebook settlement?
Unfortunately, the deadline to file a claim was August 25, 2023. If you missed this date, you are no longer eligible to receive compensation from the Facebook settlement.
2. How much will I receive from the Facebook settlement?
The average payout for eligible users is expected to be around $30. However, the exact amount you receive may vary depending on how long you were an active user of Facebook during the eligible period.
3. When will I receive my payout?
Payments are expected to start in June or July 2024, but the exact timing could change based on ongoing legal proceedings. If there are no further delays, you should receive your payout by mid-2024.