Facebook’s Class-Action Lawsuit May Award Users Part of the Settlement

Have you scrolled through Facebook in the past 16 years? Chances are, you have used the well-known social media platform between 2007 and 2022, and now you can get some money for it.

What is the Class-Action Lawsuit For?

Facebook’s parent company, Meta, is paying a $725 million to settle a class-action lawsuit due to privacy violations. The settlement stems from previous lawsuits brought against by Facebook’s users who alleged that the social media site shared their information with advertisers and data brokers.

In 2018, it was alleged that over 80 million people’s information had been used by the third-party firm, Cambridge Analytica, which is the data analytics firm used by the Trump campaign.

This data leak resulted in public backlash and government investigations into Facebook’s privacy policies over the past several years.

Meta has not admitted to any wrongdoing, stating that its users consented to these privacy practices and that no actual damage had been done.

Dina El-Kassaby Luce, Meta’s spokesperson said in a statement that the settlement was, “in the best interest of its community and shareholders”. Adding that the company has also updated its approach to privacy.

How Much Money Can I Get?

Up to 280 million people could be eligible to receive part of the settlement.

It’s unclear how much money you could actually receive as a portion of the settlement will likely receive a good chunk. The amount you yourself can receive will depend on the number of users who file with valid claims.

When Can I Get the Money?

If you do decide to file a claim, you won’t be getting the money right away. There will be a final approval hearing for the settlement on September 7th 2023, which is when the court will decide to approve the deal or not, as well as award attorney fees and other costs.

Even if the settlement is approved, there still could be more appeals, which makes this process even longer.

Earliest you can expect to get paid is later this year, and it may not even be that soon.

How Do I File a Claim?

The form should only take a few minutes to fill out and basic information like your name, address, when and how long you’ve used Facebook, and a few more need to be answered.

Want a piece of the $725 million settlement? Head to the claim website and fill out the claim online. You can also print it out and mail it to this address: Facebook Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation, c/o Settlement Administrator, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

You must file before August 25, 2023 to be included.

Should I File a Claim?

Whether you file or not is completely up to you. The form is relatively quick and simple to fill out, and you could get some free money, but nothing will happen if you decide not to.