Sections of this topic
In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Facebook’s $725 million privacy settlement and how you can apply for your share before the August deadline.
Key Takeaways:
- $725 million settlement for Facebook users in a privacy lawsuit.
- Active US Facebook users between May 2007 and December 2022 are eligible.
- The deadline to submit a claim is August 25.
- Payouts depend on the number of users who file claims.
- Facebook, now Meta, did not admit any wrongdoing.
The Cambridge Analytica Scandal: A Brief Recap
In 2018, Facebook, now known as Meta, faced a significant scandal involving the improper sharing of information belonging to 87 million users with the British political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.
This firm had been hired by the presidential campaign of Donald Trump and other politicians, including Senator Ted Cruz.
The data breach compelled Facebook’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, to testify before Congress and issue a public apology for the company’s oversight.
Are You Eligible for the Settlement?
If you maintained an active Facebook account in the United States between May 2007 and December 2022, you might be eligible for a share of the $725 million settlement.
The deadline to submit a claim is August 25, so don’t miss this window of opportunity.
How Much Money Could You Receive?
The specific amount each eligible user will receive depends on the total number of claim submissions and the duration of each individual’s Facebook account.
It’s important to note that legal fees could reduce the $725 million sum by as much as 25%. Additional costs associated with the litigation will also impact the total payout.
As a rough estimate, if 25% of the settlement goes to legal fees and no other costs are considered, dividing the remaining amount by the 87 million affected users would yield approximately $6.25 per user.
However, this is purely speculative and the actual amount may vary.
Why is Facebook Paying Out This Settlement?
The improper sharing of user data with Cambridge Analytica in 2018 led to a class-action lawsuit against Facebook.
To resolve the issue, Facebook agreed to a $725 million settlement in the best interest of their community and shareholders, even though they did not admit any wrongdoing.
Understanding Class Action Lawsuits
A class-action lawsuit is a legal procedure that enables one or a small group of plaintiffs to represent a larger group of people who have been similarly affected by the defendant’s actions.
In this specific case, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, agreed to the settlement without admitting any wrongdoing. The settlement is currently pending final court approval.
Filing Your Claim: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re interested in claiming your share of the settlement, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the website: Head to facebookuserprivacysettlement.com to start the claim process.
- Enter your information: You’ll need to provide your name, postal address, Facebook username, and email address(es) associated with your Facebook account.
- Complete the online claim: After submitting the required information, you’ll have successfully filed your claim.
- Submit via mail (optional): If you prefer, you can also submit a claim by mail. Visit the settlement website for more information on this process.
- Encourage family members to file: If other members of your household had active Facebook accounts during the specified time frame, they may also be eligible to file claims.
Remember, the deadline to submit a claim is August 25, so don’t wait too long to secure your share of this significant settlement.
Conclusion
Facebook privacy settlement offers eligible users the opportunity to claim a portion of the $725 million payout.
While individual amounts may not be substantial, it’s essential to be informed about your rights and take advantage of this chance.
Don’t let the August 25 deadline pass without filing your claim and receiving your piece of this historic settlement.
