Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook) reached a record-breaking $725 million settlement to resolve a long-running class action lawsuit, In re: Facebook, Inc. Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation. The litigation alleged that Facebook improperly shared user data with third parties, including the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica, and failed to sufficiently monitor how that data was accessed and used. While Meta denied any violation of the law, it agreed to the settlement to avoid the continued risks and costs of a trial.
Who Was Eligible for the Facebook Settlement?
The settlement covered a massive class, considered the largest in U.S. history by member count.
- Class Members: Any natural person in the United States who was a Facebook user at any time between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022.
- Claim Volume: Approximately 28 million people submitted claims by the deadline, with over 17 million preliminarily validated.
- User Status: Both active and inactive account holders were eligible, provided they used the platform during the designated 15-year period.
Final Compensation and Payout Details
The $725 million fund was distributed among validated claimants after court-approved fees and expenses were deducted.
- Estimated Payout: The median settlement payout is expected to be approximately $35 per person, though individual amounts vary based on how long each user maintained an active account during the class period.
- Distribution Timeline: Following the resolution of two legal appeals in May 2025, the court issued a payment order. The distribution of settlement benefits officially commenced in September 2025 and is expected to continue for several months.
- Payment Methods: Funds were sent via the electronic methods (PayPal, Venmo, Zelle) or physical checks selected by claimants during the filing process.
Case Conclusion
- Claim Deadline: The final deadline to submit a claim was August 25, 2023.
- Final Approval: The court granted final approval of the settlement on October 10, 2023.
- Status: This case is now considered closed for new entries, and funds are currently being issued to approved class members.
