If you’re a Facebook user, remember that you have less than a month to submit and be part of the $725 million Facebook settlement claim. This settlement is part of the aftermath of the Cambridge Analytica controversy that shook both the U.S. elections and the tech industry of Silicon Valley.
In December 2022, the settlement was confirmed, marking it as the biggest class-action settlement of this type according to Keller Rohrback, the legal firm that initiated the lawsuit. This concluded years of legal disputes surrounding Facebook’s part in inappropriately sharing data with a consulting firm engaged by Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign for presidency.
The scandal involving Cambridge Analytica caused Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to lose almost $5.9 billion. This huge amount includes the $725 million settlement, along with a record $5 billion settlement paid to the Federal Trade Commission, and another $100 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Here’s what you need to know to claim: if you had an active U.S. Facebook account between May 2007 and December 2022, you have until Aug. 25 to submit a claim. The individual payout from the settlement hasn’t been determined yet, as it depends on the number of claims and how long each user had a Facebook account.
To make a claim, Facebook users need to visit Facebookuserprivacysettlement.com.
There, they need to provide their name, address, and email, and confirm they were residing in the U.S. and actively using Facebook within the given dates.
But don’t worry, we are going to guide you through step by step below.
Meta explains everything about its evolving feed algorithms and its AI intentions
Facebook, which changed its name to Meta in 2021, managed to settle the class action lawsuit by 2022. Since the Cambridge Analytica controversy, the company has significantly evolved. It is further exploring the metaverse with new products like Quest 3, which will be available this fall. The company has also introduced its large language artificial intelligence model called Llama 2; Reels, to rival TikTok; and most recently, Threads, to compete with Twitter.
The privacy breach led Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, to appear before Congress and publish full-page advertisements expressing his apologies for the mishap. “I’m sorry we didn’t do more at the time. We’re now taking steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” stated Zuckerberg.
It should be noted that the $725 million settlement does not signify an admission of any wrongdoing on Facebook’s part.
Am I eligible to claim a payout from the Facebook settlement?
If you had an active Facebook account while living in the U.S. between May 24, 2007, and Dec. 22, 2022, you are automatically qualified to get a part of the settlement. But, remember, you need to fill out a form to get this money. The last date to submit your claim online is till 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2023. If you’re sending your claim through mail, make sure it is postmarked by this date.
For those Facebook users who had active accounts during the eligible period but are no longer alive, the claim should be made under the deceased person’s name. Their account information should be provided in the “Your Facebook Account” section of the claim form.
How much will I get?
The amount of money each person can get from the Facebook settlement claim will vary and depends on certain factors. The whole settlement will be divided among all Facebook users who make a claim. Therefore, if more people file claims, each person will get less money.
Users who maintained their Facebook accounts for the longest duration during the eligibility period will get the most money. So, even if you deactivated or deleted your account during the settlement period, you could still get some money, but it will be less than what people who kept their accounts active for the entire period will get.
If you deleted your account and made a new one during the given time frame, remember to mention this in your claim as it might increase the amount of money you could receive.
Getting your share of the settlement might take a while. It is expected that payments will be sent out after the final approval, currently set for September 7. However, this date could be moved to a later time.
How can I claim a payout from the Facebook settlement?
If you’re eligible for the Facebook settlement money, you can submit your claim in two ways: either online or via mail. You’ll need to confirm some details, such as your address, phone number, and all the Facebook usernames you’ve used for your account between May 24, 2007 and Dec. 22, 2022.
If you can’t remember your username, you can find it on Facebook in two ways.
First, go to your homepage or timeline, and your username will be in the address bar, like this: https://www.facebook.com/username. Another way to find it is by logging into Facebook and going to “Account” > “Settings and Privacy” > “Settings” > “username.”
Alongside your personal details, you’ll also need to respond to the following questions:
- Did you reside in the United States at any time between May 24, 2007, and Dec. 22, 2022, inclusive?
- Were you a Facebook user at any time between May 24, 2007, and Dec. 22, 2022?
- Are you filing a claim for a current account, a deleted account or a combination of both?
Lastly, you need to confirm under oath that all the information you have provided for the Facebook settlement claim is correct.
How to file your Facebook settlement claim online?
Filing your claim online is likely the quickest and easiest method. It should take just a few minutes of your time.
How to file your claim by mail?
If you prefer to submit your claim by mail, you can download the claim form or request a paper copy from the settlement administrator. To get in touch with the administrator, you can:
- Call them at 855-556-2233.
- Send an email to [email protected].
- Write a letter to Facebook Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation, c/o Settlement Administrator, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA, 19103.
Receiving your settlement payment
When you apply for your share of the settlement, you can select how you want to receive your funds. You can choose Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, a prepaid Mastercard, or a check that will be mailed to your provided address.
Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Midjourney
