Facebook Privacy Settlement

A long-running class action over Facebook’s handling of user data culminated in a multihundred-million-dollar settlement. Here’s a concise update on eligibility, payments, and what claimants should expect next—without the legalese.

The big picture

• Settlement fund: $725 million resolving claims tied to third-party data sharing practices.
• Who’s covered: People in the United States who used Facebook at any time between May 24, 2007 and December 22, 2022.
• Status: The court granted final approval in 2023. The claims window is closed.

How payouts are calculated

• Pro-rata formula: Payments are based on how many months an account existed during the class period.
• Deductions: Court-approved attorneys’ fees, administrative costs, and service awards come out of the fund before individual payments are calculated.
• Reality check: Individual checks vary widely; many claimants typically see modest amounts.

How payments are sent

• Methods: Depending on the option chosen at filing—direct deposit, PayPal, Venmo, prepaid card, or paper check.
• Notifications: Claimants generally receive an email notice shortly before funds are released.

If you filed a claim

• Keep your info current: Ensure your name, address, and payment details match your original claim.
• Watch your inbox: Look for messages from the settlement administrator (check spam/junk).
• Payment issues: If a transfer fails (wrong account, closed card), the administrator typically reissues via an alternative method after identity verification.

What’s not included here

• This settlement is separate from other Meta/Facebook matters (for example, the Illinois biometric case and the “internet tracking” settlement). Eligibility and payment amounts differ across those cases.

Why it matters

The case underscores how user data practices can lead to sweeping remedies—and how, in class actions, time in the platform often determines your share. It’s also a reminder to monitor privacy settings and understand how apps share data behind the scenes.