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If you were a Facebook user anytime between May 24, 2007, and Dec. 22, 2022, you might be entitled to a share of free funds from Meta, the parent company of Facebook. The long-standing class-action lawsuit against Facebook accused the social media giant of sharing user data with third parties, leading to a settlement of $725 million in December. While some class members have objected, those eligible for compensation must submit a valid claim to potentially receive a payout, estimated to be around $35 per person.
To make your claim, the deadline is 11:59 p.m. PT on August 25, 2023. The forms can be filled online, requested via phone, or printed and mailed to the settlement administrator. To be eligible, you must have been a resident of the United States between May 24, 2007, and Dec. 22, 2022. Even if you deleted your Facebook account after 2022, you can still claim a share, provided you specify the date range you used the platform.
Each member of the settlement class is allowed to submit only one claim. The funds will be distributed through various methods, including prepaid Mastercard, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or direct deposit. However, the final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for Sept. 7, and any approval could lead to further appeals that might delay the payout process.
It’s worth noting that the opportunity to opt out of the settlement and retain the right to separately sue Meta ended on July 26. Failure to take action would mean giving up the right to initiate or continue a lawsuit against Meta and foregoing any compensation from this settlement.