Facebook users in the United States can now apply for a portion of a $725m (£583m) privacy case settlement.
The legal action alleged that the social media company shared the data of 87 million users without their permission, via third parties like Cambridge Analytica.
The allegation, which dates back to 2018, continues to be one of the most prominent data privacy controversies.
Facebook’s owner, Meta, has refuted any wrongdoing but consented to the settlement.
Who can claim?
According to the ruling document, anyone who used Facebook in the United States between 24 May 2007 and 22 December 2022 can file a claim – “in the range of 250-280 million” individuals.
How can they make such a claim?
The following claims can be submitted on the settlement website or by mail:
name,
address, and
birth date
Facebook manages contact information
financial information
Claimants have the option of receiving their payments via:
direct deposit
PayPal
Zelle Venmo a prepaid Mastercard
The deadline to file a claim is August 25, but anyone who wishes to object to the settlement or retain the right to pursue independent legal action against Meta must opt out by July 26.
What amount do they receive?
Claimants who meet the requirements will receive one point for each month they maintained a Facebook account during the “class period.”
The net settlement amount ($725 million minus legal and administrative fees) will then be divided by the total number of points to determine the amount of money to be paid for each.
When will payment be made?
A federal magistrate granted preliminary approval to the agreement at the end of March; however, a final approval hearing is scheduled for September 7 and there may be appeals that further delay the process.
The scandal affected 87 million Facebook users.
Facebook has agreed to pay a sanction to Cambridge Analytica
Facebook was sued for ‘losing control’ of user information.
What is the impact on Meta?
James Ball, an authority on technology, told BBC News that Meta executives are likely to be satisfied with this settlement.
“On the surface, $725 million is a significant sum of money, but Meta is such a large company that this sum represents less than three days of its revenue,” he explained.
“Meta is eager to portray privacy concerns such as those raised by the Cambridge Analytica scandal as being in the past; presumably, it remains to be seen if this is the case. However, if there are more settlements in the future, this could begin to have a more significant impact on the company.”
