Time is running out to submit a claim and get your share of two Meta parent Facebook class-action settlements that could include a payout for you.
The settlements stem class-actions suits filed against the company that challenged its ability to handle your personal data. The bigger $725 million settlement relates to privacy concerns over Facebook granting third party companies access to user data without consent, part of the controversy over Cambridge Analytica, the consulting firm that used 87 million Facebook users’ data to help with Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
The second settlement stems from a lawsuit accusing the company of improper use of location tracking while members had their locations turned off. The suit claimed Facebook tracked people through their IP addresses even if their location tracking was toggled off in iOS and Android. Meta settled for $37.5 million.
The location-related settlement is the first to come up. Anyone who also had their smartphone location turned off between January 30, 2015, and April 18, 2018, qualifies. File a claim before August 11 at 11:50 p.m. PT to be considered.
You have more time to submit a claim for the privacy-related settlement. You’re eligible for compensation if you had a Facebook account in the U.S. between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022. File your claim here by August 25 at 11:50 p.m. PT.
Millions of people qualify, so the payouts per user won’t be much at all. If all 240 million US Facebook users file, The Krazy Coupon Lady estimates payments will be under $10. The form states if the court receives a massive number of claims which “renders it economically or administratively infeasible to pay money to persons” the money will go to nonprofit organizations listed here.
The forms ask for basic information, such as name, e-mail, address, phone number, and your Facebook account URL. Proof isn’t required to file a claim, just fill out these forms before tomorrow’s deadline. You can make changes after submitting. Facebook and Meta employees do not qualify.
Meta was not immediately available for comment.