Facebook Settlement Lawsuit: How Much Money Users Will Receive

Facebook users across the United States will soon see payments from a major class-action lawsuit. The case involves a $725 million settlement tied to privacy violations. Payouts are expected to begin this month, with email notices sent out before money is issued.

The lawsuit covers claims that Facebook, now known as Meta, mishandled user data for years. According to court documents, users who filed valid claims could receive between $4.89 and $38.36. The average payment is expected to be around $30, depending on account activity and how long a person used the platform during the eligible period.

Facebook Settlement Amounts and Timeline

Meta agreed to the $725 million settlement after several lawsuits were merged into one class-action case. The eligible period spans from May 24, 2007, to December 22, 2022. People who had Facebook accounts during that time and submitted claims on time will be paid.

Payments will roll out in phases over a 10-week window. The official settlement website confirms that users will be notified by email about their payment details a few days before the money is sent. According to The Hill, this distribution process has already started.

The size of the payout depends on how long someone was an active user. It also depends on how many valid claims were submitted. More claims mean smaller checks, but every approved claimant will receive something.

Why the Facebook Settlement Happened

The lawsuits centered on how Facebook shared personal data without user consent. According to Reuters, the cases accused the company of giving access to app developers, business partners, advertisers, and data brokers. The suits claimed Meta failed to monitor or control how that data was used.

One of the most notable examples was the Cambridge Analytica scandal. In 2018, it was revealed that the firm obtained personal information from about 87 million users. That data was later used to influence voters during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Critics argued that the scandal showed Facebook acted more like a “data broker” than a social network. Meta chose to settle rather than continue years of legal battles, saying it was in the best interest of users and shareholders.

What Users Should Do Next

People who filed claims should monitor their email. Notifications will arrive before the payments are sent. Approved payouts may show up through direct deposit, PayPal, or mailed checks depending on the option chosen when filing the claim.

For users who missed the filing deadline, no new claims can be submitted. The payout is only for those who already filed before the court deadline.

The Facebook settlement lawsuit marks one of the largest data privacy payouts in U.S. history. Users who filed valid claims will finally see the results.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Facebook settlement lawsuit about?

It concerns privacy violations where Facebook shared user data without consent. Multiple lawsuits were merged into one class-action case against Meta.

Q2: How much money will Facebook users get?

Payments range from $4.89 to $38.36. The average payout is about $30, depending on account activity and claim numbers.

Q3: When will the Facebook settlement payments be issued?

Payouts started this month. The process will continue for about 10 weeks, with email notices sent before money is released.

Q4: Who is eligible for the settlement payout?

Anyone who had a Facebook account between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, and filed a valid claim before the deadline is eligible.

Q5: What was the Cambridge Analytica case linked to the lawsuit?

Cambridge Analytica gained access to data from 87 million users. That information was later used for political targeting during the 2016 U.S. election.

Sources

Reuters, AP, The Hill, BBC, FOX Local