If you used Facebook at any point between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, you may be entitled to part of a massive settlement over privacy violations. However, you won’t receive any compensation automatically. Instead, you need to file a claim. Here’s what you need to know about the Facebook privacy settlement and how to file a claim for compensation.
What Is the Facebook Privacy Settlement?
The Facebook settlement is based on lawsuits involving Facebook and Cambridge Analytica, where the latter was able to scrape user data without users’ permission to build out voter profiles. While Meta – the parent company of Facebook – denied liability and wrongdoing, an agreement was reached, leading to a $725 million settlement.
Facebook users have until August 25, 2023, to file a monetary claim relating to the settlement. Fortunately, the process is reasonably straightforward.
How to File a Claim for the Facebook Settlement
There are two ways that you can file a claim relating to the Facebook privacy settlement. First, you can handle the entire process online through the claim website. Second, you can print out the claim form and mail it to:
Facebook Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation
c/o Settlement Administrator
1650 Arch Street Suite 2210
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Regardless of the approach you choose, you’ll need to provide specific information. That includes your first name, last name, mailing address, and email address, with phone numbers being optional. Additionally, you’ll need to confirm some details to show that you qualify as a claimant, such as that you resided in the US and were a Facebook user during the eligibility period.
Next, you need to provide the username (or usernames) of your Facebook account(s), as well as any associated email addresses and phone numbers. You can find your Facebook name by going to the Facebook website on your browser, head to Account, click Settings and Privacy, click Settings, and find Username. For mobile apps, go to the menu, click your display name, tap “…” and go to Edit Profile, and you’ll see the username under “Your Profile Link.”
Then, you get to choose a payment method. Finally, you’ll need to verify and attest under oath that the information provided is true and correct. You’ll type your full name. The date field is populated automatically. Once that’s done, you can click Submit to get your claim moving.
Available Payment Methods for Facebook Settlement
There are several quick, convenient payment options available for any funds due based on the Facebook settlement. You can select from:
- Prepaid Mastercard
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Direct Deposit via ACH
- Zelle
When you choose a payment method, you need to make sure that the email or phone number in your contact information matches the one associated with the selected payment type. The only exception is requesting a paper check through the provided link, as that allows you to have a check sent to the mailing address listed in your contact details.
How Much Money Do You Get for a Claim?
The amount of money a person receives for a qualifying claim may vary depending on a few factors. First, every claimant gets one point per month that they had an activated Facebook account during the eligibility period, so how long you used Facebook plays a role. Second, the total number of filers is a factor, as well as how much attorney fees reduce the claim.
Since people can file claims until August 25, 2023, the number of eligible claimants is currently unknown. As a result, it’s impossible to estimate how much a claimant will receive at this time.
When Will the Money Go to Claimants?
This is another area where it isn’t entirely clear what will happen. There’s another settlement hearing in early September, at which point the court will determine if the deal is approved and will award attorney’s fees and other costs from the settlement amount. At that point, it’s also possible the settlement will face appeals, which would lengthen the timeline.
Overall, no one should expect a payment until later this year. However, it’s possible money wouldn’t go out until far later, depending on how the legal processes involved unfold.
What Happens If You Opt Out of the Settlement?
Claimants do have the option to formally opt out of the settlement by completing the required form by July 26, 2023. If you decide to opt out, you maintain your right to sue Meta separately for any issues arising based on the privacy violations at the heart of the settlement-related lawsuit. However, you will waive your right to any money associated with this settlement.
What Happens If You Do Nothing?
Not filing a claim and failing to opt out means you won’t get any settlement money, and you waive your right to file a suit against Facebook in the future over the privacy issues in question. As a result, eligible parties may want to either file a claim or formally opt out instead of doing nothing.
Are you planning to file a claim based on the Facebook settlement, or do you think that it’s not worth the effort? Do you think the Facebook settlement is fair, or should Facebook have had bigger repercussions for its actions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Tamila McDonald has worked as a Financial Advisor for the military for past 13 years. She has taught Personal Financial classes on every subject from credit, to life insurance, as well as all other aspects of financial management. Mrs. McDonald is a former AFCPE Accredited Financial Counselor and has helped her clients to meet their short-term and long-term financial goals.
