Meta Begins Issuing $725 Million Facebook Privacy Settlement Payments

Meta has started distributing payments to millions of U.S. Facebook users as part of a $725 million class-action settlement over alleged privacy violations, with disbursements rolling out through mid-November.

The settlement, which resolves consolidated lawsuits accusing Facebook of improperly sharing user data with third parties since 2007, kicks off cash distributions in early September, marking a major milestone after nearly three years of legal wrangling.

Settlement Essentials

  • Meta agreed to pay a $725 million fund to resolve claims of unauthorized data sharing connected to the Cambridge Analytica scandal and other privacy breaches.
  • Distribution launched this month and will span 10 weeks, with approved claimants receiving email notices 3-4 days before payment issuance.
  • Payments vary by account activity: the maximum payout is $38.36, the minimum is $4.89, and the average is approximately $29.43.

Who Qualifies and When to Expect Your Payment

Eligible are U.S. users with active Facebook accounts between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, who filed claims by the August 2023 deadline. Angeion, the settlement administrator, will send payments via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, direct deposit, check or prepaid Mastercard.

Point-Based Allocation System

Each claimant earns one “allocation point” per month of Facebook activity during the class period. Total points across all claimants determine the per-point value after deducting legal and administrative fees. Those with full 188-month participation receive the maximum payout.

What to Do Next

  • Check your inbox for an email from Facebook User Privacy Settlement Administrator confirming approval and payment timing.
  • Watch for a second email 3-4 days before funds are transferred.
  • Review payment options on the settlement website if you need to update disbursement preferences.

Meta maintains that settling was the most efficient path to resolution, denying any admission of liability. The class-action settlement represents one of the largest by membership in U.S. history, affecting over 19 million validated claims.