In a groundbreaking class-action settlement, Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has agreed to pay $725 million to resolve a lawsuit alleging mishandling of user data privacy. The lawsuit is linked to the infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal, where millions of Facebook users’ personal data was misused. If you were a Facebook user in the U.S. between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, you may be eligible for compensation. But when will you see your payout? Here’s everything you need to know about this landmark settlement.
Facebook Settlement Details You Should Know
Meta’s $725 million settlement marks a significant milestone in data privacy law, holding big tech companies accountable for how they handle user data. If you filed a claim before the August 2023 deadline and are eligible, you can expect to receive compensation in mid-2024. While individual payouts may seem modest in comparison to the overall settlement amount, this serves as an important reminder of the growing significance of data privacy and the consequences for companies mishandling it.
– The Facebook settlement involves a total payout of $725 million.
– This settlement is available to U.S. Facebook users who were active between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022.
– If you meet the eligibility requirements and submit a claim before the deadline of August 25, 2023, you may be entitled to compensation.
– The payout is expected to be distributed in mid-2024.
– The estimated average payout is around $30 per user, depending on how long the account was active during the affected period.
– To check the status of your claim, visit the official settlement website.
The Story Behind the Settlement
The $725 million payout stems from a lawsuit accusing Facebook of improperly sharing user data with third parties, most notably the British consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. The firm exploited the personal data of approximately 87 million Facebook users to influence voting behavior in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Although Meta denied any wrongdoing, they agreed to the settlement to avoid further legal battles. After years of litigation, the U.S. District Court officially approved the settlement on October 10, 2023.
Now, eligible claimants can look forward to a payout in mid-2024, serving as a significant step forward in holding tech giants accountable for their data practices.
Who Qualifies for the Facebook Settlement?
If you were a Facebook user in the U.S. between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, you might be eligible to claim compensation from the Facebook settlement. However, to be considered, you had to submit a claim by the deadline of August 25, 2023. If you missed this date, unfortunately, you are no longer eligible for a payout. Even if you deleted your account during this period, you were still able to file a claim, provided it was done before the deadline.
What Will the Settlement Pay Out?
With around 17 million eligible claimants, the average payout is expected to be approximately $30 per person. However, this amount could vary depending on how long you were a Facebook user during the affected period. Long-time users may receive higher payouts than those who only had accounts for a shorter time.
When Will Payments Be Issued?
Originally, settlement payments were expected to start in early 2024. However, due to legal challenges and appeals, the distribution of payments has been delayed. Now, payments are anticipated to begin in June or July 2024, though the exact date could change depending on the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings. If all legal issues are resolved by early 2024, you could receive your payout by mid-2024.
How to Check the Status of Your Facebook Settlement Claim
Once you’ve filed a claim, it’s important to keep track of its status. To check, follow these steps:
1. Visit the official settlement website.
2. Enter your Claim ID (provided when you submitted your claim).
3. Follow the instructions to see whether your claim has been approved or if any additional steps are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still file a claim for the Facebook settlement?
Unfortunately, the deadline to submit a claim was August 25, 2023. If you missed this date, you are no longer eligible for compensation.
2. How much will I receive from the settlement?
The average payout is expected to be around $30, though the amount may differ based on the length of time you used Facebook during the eligible period.
3. When will I get my payout?
Payments are expected to start in June or July 2024, but this could be delayed depending on ongoing legal appeals. Keep an eye out for updates if all legal challenges are resolved early in 2024.
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