Payouts from Facebook’s massive $725 million privacy settlement are about to reach users who filed valid claims. The settlement stems from lawsuits alleging the platform improperly shared user data with outside companies, most notably during the Cambridge Analytica scandal that influenced the 2016 election.
Anyone with a Facebook account between May 24, 2007, and Dec. 22, 2022, could qualify, provided they submitted a claim last year. Roughly 28 million claims were filed, with about 17 million confirmed so far.
After attorneys’ fees and administrative costs are deducted, the remaining funds will be distributed using a points system based on how many months a person had an active account. Early estimates suggest the median payment will be about $30.
Payments are being rolled out over the next several weeks. Eligible users will be notified by email shortly before money is deposited. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid a trial.
(Photo by VINCENT FEURAY/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
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