Facebook Settlement Amount 2024: In one of the largest class-action settlements in history, Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has agreed to pay $725 million to settle a lawsuit alleging it mishandled user data privacy. The case, rooted in the notorious Cambridge Analytica scandal, has seen millions of Facebook users affected by the mishandling of personal data. If you were a Facebook user in the U.S. between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, you might be eligible for compensation. But when can you expect to receive your payout? What should you know about this settlement?
This article breaks down everything about the Facebook settlement, including the background, eligibility, payment dates, and how to check your claim status.
Facebook Settlement Amount 2024
The $725 million Facebook settlement represents a landmark case in data privacy law, holding large tech companies accountable for their handling of user information. If you were an eligible claimant and filed before the August 2023 deadline, you can expect to receive compensation in mid-2024. While the payout may seem small compared to the overall settlement amount, it serves as a reminder of the importance of data privacy and the potential consequences for companies that mishandle it.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $725 million |
| Eligibility | U.S. Facebook users between May 24, 2007, and Dec 22, 2022 |
| Payout Date | Expected in mid-2024 (June/July) |
| Average Payout | Estimated $30 per user, depending on the length of time they held an account |
| Claim Deadline | August 25, 2023 |
| Check Claim Status | Visit official settlement website |
Background of the Facebook Settlement
The $725 million settlement stems from a lawsuit that accused 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, which was used to influence voter behaviour during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
As part of the lawsuit, Meta denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. This legal battle has been ongoing for years, but the final approval of the settlement was granted on October 10, 2023, by a U.S. District Court judge.
Who Is Eligible for the Facebook Settlement?
Anyone who used Facebook between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, in the United States was eligible to file a claim. However, the deadline for filing a claim was August 25, 2023. If you submitted a claim before this deadline, you are eligible to receive a payout. Those who missed the deadline will not receive compensation.
Interestingly, even users who have deleted their accounts during this time period were eligible to file a claim.
How Much Can You Expect from the Settlement?
With approximately 17 million claimants submitting valid claims, the average payout is expected to be around $30 per person, although this amount could vary depending on how long a user had an account during the affected time period. Users with accounts dating back longer may receive higher payouts compared to those who joined Facebook more recently.
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When Will Facebook Settlement Amount Payments Be Made?
One of the big questions surrounding the settlement is when users can expect to see their payout. Originally, payments were scheduled to begin at the start of 2024. However, due to various legal objections and appeals, the payout date has been delayed.
The current timeline suggests that payments could start being distributed in June or July 2024, although this is subject to further delays depending on ongoing appeals. If all legal challenges are resolved by early 2024, users could start receiving their compensation checks or electronic transfers in mid-2024.
How to Check Your Facebook Settlement Claim Status
If you filed a claim, it’s important to stay informed about your payment status. You can check the status of your claim on the official Facebook settlement website. Here’s how:
- Visit the official settlement website.
- Use your Claim ID, which was provided when you submitted your claim form.
- Enter the required details to check if your claim has been approved or if additional steps are needed.
FAQs
1. Can I still file a claim for the Facebook settlement?
Unfortunately, the deadline to file a claim was August 25, 2023. If you did not file by that date, you are no longer eligible for compensation.
2. How much money will I receive from the settlement?
The average payout is expected to be around $30, though this amount may vary depending on the duration of your Facebook usage during the eligibility period.
3. When will I receive my payout?
Payments are expected to begin in June or July 2024, but this timeline is subject to potential delays due to ongoing legal appeals.
4. How will I receive my payment?
Payments will be distributed via electronic transfer or mailed checks, depending on the preference you selected when submitting your claim form.
5. Why is the payout delayed?
The delay is due to legal objections and appeals filed by some parties who contested the settlement terms. As these appeals are resolved, the payout process will begin.
