The Facebook settlement centers around privacy violation and unauthorized sharing of data. The case, filed as a historic class-action lawsuit, ended in 2023 when Facebook agreed to pay $725 million in settlement of claims over unauthorized data sharing with third parties. This settlement is aimed at compensating affected users in the United States who have a Facebook account between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022.
The settlement comes after Facebook was accused of its practices in breaching data privacy, especially the Cambridge Analytica case where millions of users’ personal data were allegedly accessed without their consent. The class-action lawsuit cited that Facebook had been dealing with users’ privacy rights by sharing personal information with advertisers and other entities.
Facebook Settlement Amount Per Person in February 2025
The payout to the qualified users is expected to be about $30 per user. The amount was determined using the number of valid claims that were filed prior to August 25, 2023. More than 17 million users filed their claims before the deadline, and the total payout will be split among the qualified claimants.
Determinants of the Payout Amount
There are several determinants of the final payout amount:
- The number of approved claims: the higher the number, the smaller the individual claim for each member.
- Time frame of use: the more active the user on Facebook from 2007 until 2022, the greater the payment amount compared to someone who had shorter usage history.
- Administrative Costs & Legal Fees: The $725 million settlement has a provision for setting aside a part of it to be used in legal and administrative costs that will affect the final payout.
Facebook Settlement Amount Payable Dates
The first timeline for the disbursement of payments was supposed to be early 2025, probably February or March. However, with appeals in the courts, there could be delays in the final payout timeline. The settlement amount cannot be paid out until all appeals are exhausted.
Possible Delays:
There are some class members who have filed appeals over certain aspects of the settlement.
- The court should settle the appeals first before the final payments.
- Depending on the legal process, it would require a period of yet more months before any cash distributions may occur.
- The last payment schedule shall be decided 90 days after the approval of the settlement without open legally pending issues.
Qualifying Conditions for Facebook Settlement Distribution
For a claimant to receive the settlement distribution, the claimant must have met any of the following criteria:
- Have been a Facebook user in the United States from May 24, 2007 to December 22, 2022.
- Have filed a valid claim form on or before 25th August 2023.
- Have not opted out of the class-action lawsuit.
- The claim submitted must be qualified as valid by the settlement administrators.
- Sorry to say you are not qualified to receive anything from this settlement if you did not submit a claim.
How to Check Your Facebook Settlement Status
Those who have filed a claim can check their payment status on the official Facebook User Privacy Settlement website or by contacting the claims administrator.
How to check your status:
- Go to the official settlement website.
- Log in using the email or claim ID you provided when filing.
- Look for updates on payment processing and estimated payout dates.
- If necessary, contact the settlement administrator for further assistance.
How Will Payments Be Distributed?
The approved claims will be paid using the method selected during the claims process. Methods consist of:
- Direct Deposit if your banking information has been furnished
- PayPal or Venmo if that is an option that was selected
- Paper Check mailed to the mailing address on file
- Prepaid Debit Card if electronic payment was selected
Checks periodically for emails and mail for any updates regarding settlement payments.
Official Updates and Scam Alerts
Given the fact that the Facebook settlement has caused such a tremendous stir in the public, users must be wary of scams about the payout process. Here’s how to avoid getting scammed:
- Only believe sources like the Facebook Privacy Settlement website and trusted legal news sites like Forbes, Reuters, or Kiplinger.
- Do not give unofficial sources your personal or banking details if they want to speed up the payout procedure.
Be very careful with scam calls and emails from hackers who ask for your settlement information.
Conclusion
The Facebook Settlement is expected to be distributed in early 2025, probably in February or March. The final distribution date will be determined based on available appeals, but since it is uncertain, the tentative date remains unknown. Monitor for news on the official site if you have a valid claim to see when you will be paid.
Although the estimated amount per person is about $30, the final payout may differ depending on the total number of approved claims and the resolution of pending appeals. Official sources are best consulted regularly for the latest updates on this settlement.
If you have questions or need more information, go to the official Facebook User Privacy Settlement portal to monitor your payment status and avoid misinformation.