Facebook class action settlement US$725 million: Claim your share now

If you used Facebook between May 2007 and December 2022, you can submit a claim for your share of a $725 million Facebook class action settlement. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

The settlement is part of the years-long litigation over Facebook’s relationship with Cambridge Analytica, which harvested the personal data of 87 million Facebook users.

The $725 million Facebook class action settlement stems from a lawsuit filed in 2015 alleging that Facebook’s “Tag Suggestions” feature violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by collecting and storing users’ biometric data without their express consent. However, the lawsuit was not the only controversy surrounding Facebook’s handling of user data.

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The role of Cambridge Analytica

In 2018, the Cambridge Analytica scandal came to light, in which a political consulting firm was found to have obtained personal data from millions of Facebook users without their consent. The scandal sparked widespread public outrage and calls for greater regulation of tech companies.

While the Cambridge Analytica scandal was not directly related to the BIPA lawsuit, it did highlight broader concerns about Facebook’s handling of user data and its role in shaping public opinion and in some cases election tampering. The scandal also led to increased scrutiny of tech companies’ data privacy practices and highlighted the need for stronger regulations to protect consumers’ data privacy rights.

History of ‘noncompliance’

The case was eventually certified as a class action, meaning that it represented a large group of people who had been affected by the alleged violation of their privacy rights. The class included all Illinois residents who had a Facebook account between 2011 and 2015, which amounted to millions of people.

In January 2020, Facebook agreed to the $550 million settlement, which was initially rejected by US District Judge James Donato. He argued that the proposed settlement amount was inadequate and did not reflect the gravity of the alleged violations.

The judge also noted that Facebook had a history of “noncompliance” with court orders and suggested that the company needed to do more to ensure that it was complying with data privacy laws.

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How much should you expect from the Facebook class action settlement?

Following the judge’s rejection of the initial settlement, Facebook agreed to increase the amount of the settlement to $725 million. The revised Facebook class action settlement was approved by Judge Donato in February 2021 and received final approval in July of the same year.

Under the terms of the settlement, Facebook will pay $200 to each eligible class member, with the remainder of the settlement funds being used to cover attorney’s fees and other costs. In addition, Facebook has agreed to implement new measures to ensure that it complies with BIPA and other data privacy laws in the future.

The significance of this settlement

The settlement is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it represents a significant victory for consumers in the ongoing battle over data privacy. With the rise of social media and other online platforms, concerns about data privacy have become increasingly important, and this settlement sends a clear message that companies must take their obligations to protect their users’ data seriously.

Secondly, the settlement is significant in terms of the amount of money involved. The $725 million settlement is the largest ever of its kind, and it highlights the potential financial consequences of failing to comply with data privacy laws.

Thirdly, the settlement is significant because it represents a rare instance of consumers successfully holding a tech giant accountable for its actions. In recent years, there have been growing concerns about the power and influence of tech companies, and this settlement serves as a reminder that even the biggest players in the industry are not above the law.

Finally, the settlement underscores the importance of BIPA and other data privacy laws. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential that laws and regulations keep pace to ensure that consumers are protected. The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act was one of the first laws of its kind in the United States, and its success, in this case, highlights the importance of continued efforts to strengthen data privacy laws at both the state and federal levels.

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In conclusion

The $725 million Facebook class action settlement is a significant milestone in the ongoing battle over data privacy. It represents a victory for consumers, highlights the potential financial consequences of failing to comply with data privacy laws, and underscores the importance of continued efforts to strengthen data privacy laws at both the state and federal levels. Payment would be made to Pre-paid Mastercard, Paypal, Venmo, Zelle and direct deposit to your bank account. See the link below to submit a claim and see if you qualify.