Meta Platforms Inc., which was formerly known as Facebook, has agreed to pay a $725 million class action settlement. This is because it was alleged that Facebook shared or allowed others to access user data and data about users’ friends without their permission. Facebook did not properly monitor or enforce third-party access or use of that data.
If the settlement is approved by the court, Meta Platforms Inc. will set up a fund of $725 million. This fund will be used to pay all valid claims made by members of the settlement class. The settlement class includes people who were affected by Facebook’s actions during a specific time period.
How much each person will receive depends on how many people submit valid claims and how long they were users on Facebook during the class period. The settlement fund will also cover expenses related to notifying people about the settlement and administering the settlement process. Additionally, the fund will pay any attorneys’ fees and costs, as well as any service awards for the settlement class representatives.
Meta Platforms is a technology company that owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other platforms.
Who’s Eligible
All Facebook users in the United States between May 24, 2007, and Dec. 22, 2022, subject to the exclusions described above.
Potential Award
Varies. Make sure to state which payment you will take whether it be Paypal or Venmo. If you do not have them you can sign up for Paypal or Venmo or just get a Mastercard mailed out to you for the settlement amount.
Proof of Purchase
None.
Claim Form
Head over to FacebookUserPrivacySettlement.com to file a claim.
Claim Form Deadline
08/25/2023
Case Name
In re: Facebook, Inc. Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation, Case No. 3:18-md-02843-VC, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California
Final Hearing
09/07/2023
Didn’t I file for a Previous Facebook Settlement?
This is not the first settlement for Facebook/Meta Platforms Inc. regarding user data privacy issues. In fact, there have been several other settlements in the past related to similar issues.
For example, in July 2019, Facebook agreed to pay a $5 billion settlement to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations of privacy violations related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal. In addition, Facebook settled with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for $100 million over allegations that it misled investors about the risks of misusing user data.
In April 2020, Facebook agreed to pay $52 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that accused the company of collecting and storing users’ facial recognition data without their consent.
So, it’s important to note that this is not the first settlement for Facebook/Meta Platforms Inc. related to user data privacy issues, and it’s possible that there may be more in the future.
The settlement class includes all Facebook users in the United States between May 24, 2007, and Dec. 22, 2022, inclusive (the “class period”). The settlement class does not include: (i) all persons who are directors, officers, legal representatives, alleged co-conspirators and agents of defendant or its wholly or partly owned subsidiaries or affiliated companies or employees of defendant or its subsidiaries and affiliated companies; (ii) counsel for any plaintiff whose case was consolidated into this MDL and their employees, including but not limited to class counsel for plaintiffs and their employees; (iii) the special master, discovery mediators and settlement mediator who participated in this case and their staff; and the judges and court staff, as well as any appellate court to which this matter is ever assigned; and (iv) eligible persons who elect to opt out of the settlement class.
Claims Administrator
Facebook Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation
c/o Settlement Administrator
1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210
Philadelphia, PA 19103
info@FacebookUserPrivacySettlement.com
855-556-2233
The court has scheduled a final approval hearing for Sept. 7, 2023.
Class members who wish to exclude themselves from or object to the Facebook class action settlement must do so no later than July 26, 2023.
The deadline to submit a claim form is Aug. 25, 2023.
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