In today’s digital age, as the importance of data and privacy has increased, it is also the responsibility of big companies to keep their users’ information safe. But when these companies are negligent, it is necessary to hold them accountable. Something similar has happened with Facebook. If you have used Facebook in the US between 2007 and 2022, then you have a golden opportunity to participate in a settlement of $725 million.
Facebook’s $725 Million Settlement
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $725 million |
| Eligibility | U.S. Facebook users who had an account between May 24, 2007, and Dec. 22, 2022 |
| Deadline to Apply | 11:59 PM PT on Friday (for online claims) or postmarked by Friday (for mail claims) |
| Reason for Settlement | Facebook allegedly shared user data without consent (Cambridge Analytica scandal) |
| How to Apply | Submit a claim online at facebookuserprivacysettlement.com |
| Required Information | Name, contact details, Facebook account details (email, phone, username), and payment preference |
| Payment Options | PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, direct deposit, check, or prepaid Mastercard |
| How Much Money? | Amount depends on the number of claimants; longtime users may get more |
| Final Approval Date | September 7, 2025 |
| Expected Payout Date | After final approval and resolution of appeals |
Why did this settlement happen? The root of the Cambridge Analytica scandal
This settlement is related to the big data privacy dispute that came to light in 2018. British consulting firm Cambridge Analytica was accused of obtaining data of about 87 million Facebook users without their permission, which was used during the 2016 US presidential election. After this disclosure, several lawsuits were filed against Facebook (now Meta). Even though Meta denied violating any law, the company accepted a settlement of $725 million to avoid a lawsuit and huge expenses.
Who is eligible for this settlement?
If you created a Facebook account in the US between May 24, 2007 and December 22, 2022, then you are eligible for this settlement.
Whether you are still a Facebook user or you have deleted your account, you can apply for this claim. It is also important to note that it is necessary to live in the US to participate in this settlement.
How to apply?
The process of participating in the settlement is very easy and you can complete it online. All you need to do is visit one website: facebookuserprivacysettlement.com.
On this website, you can fill out a small form asking for the following information:
- Your full name and address
- Email ID and phone number
- When you used Facebook
- If you deleted the account, when you created it and when you deleted it
- Your Facebook username, email or phone number that the account was linked to
- And finally, how do you want to receive payment?
How will you get paid?
To receive payment under the settlement, you will have to choose the payment method of your choice. The options are as follows:
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Zelle
- Direct Deposit (bank transfer)
- Check
- Prepaid MasterCard
The method you choose will be used to transfer the money to you.
How much money will you get?
This is the most common question: How much money will I get? The simple answer is it depends on how many people make a claim.
If millions of people file claims, the amount per person could be less than $5. But if fewer people apply, a person could get hundreds of dollars.
Also, people who have used Facebook for a long time could get more money. The settlement has a “points system” – one point for each month, and the money will be distributed accordingly.
When is the deadline?
You must file this claim form before 11:59 PM PT, Friday night. This deadline is for online claims. If you are sending the form by mail, it must also be postmarked by Friday.
When will payments be made?
The final hearing on the settlement will be held on September 7, 2025. If the court approves it and there is no appeal, the payment process will begin soon after that. If there is a legal appeal, it could take a few more months.
Conclusion – Don’t miss out on your rights
Facebook’s $725 million settlement is a historic step that shows tech companies can be held accountable when they violate our privacy. If you used Facebook between 2007 and 2022, don’t miss this opportunity. The claim process is very simple and doesn’t take much time.
The amount you will receive depends on the participation of others. But if you are a long-time Facebook user and few people have filed a claim, your amount could be good. This will not only compensate you but also show that users can raise their voice for their data.
So what are you waiting for? If you are eligible, go immediately to facebookuserprivacysettlement.com and file your claim.
FAQs
Q. Who is eligible for the Facebook settlement?
A. Anyone who had a U.S. Facebook account between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022.
Q. How do I apply for the settlement money?
A. You can submit a claim online at facebookuserprivacysettlement.com.
Q. What is the deadline to file a claim?
A. The deadline is 11:59 PM PT on Friday for online claims or must be postmarked by Friday for mail claims.
Q. How much money will I receive?
A. The payout depends on how many people file claims; users with older accounts may receive more.
Q. When will the payments be sent out?
A. Payments will be issued after final approval on September 7, 2025, and once any appeals are resolved.