Users of Facebook, one of the world’s largest social media platforms, can now claim a share of a $725 million settlement by parent company Meta, formerly known as Facebook, in a class-action lawsuit that alleged privacy violations (CBS News). In the past 16 years, anyone in the United States who used Facebook can apply for a piece of the settlement (NBC News). However, those who seek a share of the settlement must apply before August 2022 (CNN).
Facebook’s parent company agreed to pay cash to users who had an active account at any point between May 2007 and December 2022 (CNN). According to NBC Chicago, the settlement affects anyone who used Facebook during that timespan, and eligible individuals can seek to claim their share of the settlement by filling out a claim form that requires email addresses for the Facebook account used during the relevant timeframe.
Users can apply for their share of the settlement by visiting the claim form on the official settlement webpage (WFMY News 2). The settlement marks the latest in a series of privacy lawsuits against the social media giant (NBC Chicago). While the tentative approval of the settlement has paved the way for users to claim compensation, the amount of money that each claimant might receive remains uncertain (NBC Chicago).
Meta, which owns Facebook and other social networking services, still faces significant challenges regarding privacy and transparency. In responding to these challenges, the company has recently placed a growing emphasis on developing its metaverse platform, an immersive virtual reality experience that aims to partially replace the current, screen-based social media experience (Mashable).
The final approval of the settlement by a court remains pending. However, the company’s agreement to pay out such a large sum indicates the gravity of the privacy issues that Facebook has faced in recent years (USA Today). As the lawsuit suggests, Facebook’s legacy of mishandling sensitive information seems certain to lead to further legal and financial difficulties for the company in the years ahead.
