Have you ever thought about the value of your online privacy? If you used Facebook in the US between May 2007 and December 2022, we have important news for you. Facebook has agreed to pay $725 million in a settlement for violating user privacy, and you could be eligible to receive a part of it. But act fast – the deadline to claim your share is approaching quickly!
Why did this settlement happen?
This case is related to a big data privacy scandal that came to light in 2018. British political consulting company Cambridge Analytica had illegally obtained information of Facebook users – that too without the permission of the users. It is said that this data was used in Donald Trump’s campaign in the US presidential election of 2016. After this disclosure, several lawsuits were filed against Facebook in which it was alleged that the company shared the personal information of users with third parties without consent.
Although Facebook (now Meta) denied violating any law, the company accepted a settlement of $725 million to avoid a long court process and expenses. Its purpose is to compensate those users whose privacy was violated.
Who is eligible for this settlement?
If you created an account on Facebook between May 24, 2007 and December 22, 2022 and used it while living in the US, then you are eligible for this settlement.
- Whether you are still using Facebook today or have deleted the account, you can still claim.
- Old users are likely to get more benefits because the payment is calculated based on the period you used Facebook.
How to claim?
Claiming the Facebook settlement is very easy and for this you do not need to go anywhere. The entire process is done online.
Where to apply?
All you have to do is go to facebookuserprivacysettlement.com and fill out the online form given there.
What information will you have to provide?
While filling out the form, it is necessary to provide the following information:
- Your full name and contact details (such as email, address, and phone number)
- How long have you been using Facebook?
- If you have deleted the account, the date of account creation and deletion
- Email, phone number or username associated with Facebook
- How do you want the money – you have to choose the option for this
What are the payment options?
While filling out the form, you have to tell how you would like to receive the money. The options are:
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Zelle
- Direct transfer to the bank (Direct Deposit)
- Check
- Prepaid Mastercard
How much amount will you get?
It is not yet decided how much amount each person will get. This will depend on how many people file a claim in total.
- If a lot of people file a claim, the amount may be less (possibly even less than $5).
- If fewer people file a claim, the amount may be higher.
- The payment will be calculated on a “point system” – meaning you will get as many points as you used Facebook for the number of months. Ultimately these points will be converted into money.
When will the money be received?
The final hearing of the settlement will be held on September 7, 2025.
- If the court approves and there is no appeal, the payment process will start soon.
- If there is an appeal from either side, it may take a few more months.
Conclusion: Don’t forget to get your rightful money
This $725 million settlement by Facebook is an important opportunity for millions of users whose information was shared without permission. This is not just a matter of money, but of your digital privacy and rights. Holding big tech companies accountable is now possible.
If you used Facebook between 2007 and 2022, filling out this claim form only takes a few minutes – but you could get compensation for your privacy loss in return.
Remember: the deadline to file a claim is Friday at 11:59 PM PT. The sooner you file, the better.
You may get a small amount, but this move could help make technology companies more transparent and accountable in the future. So if you’re eligible, don’t take this lightly – apply now and get your share.
FAQs
Q. Who is eligible for the Facebook settlement?
A. Anyone who had a Facebook account in the U.S. between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022.
Q. What is the deadline to file a claim?
A. You must file your claim online by 11:59 PM PT on Friday or have your mail postmarked by Friday.
Q. How do I file a claim?
A. Go to facebookuserprivacysettlement.com and fill out the online claim form.
Q. How will I get paid?
A. You can choose to receive payment via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, direct deposit, check, or prepaid Mastercard.
Q. When will I receive the payment?
A. Payments will be sent after final court approval, which is scheduled for September 7, 2025. If there are appeals, it may take longer.