Meta probably owes you money.
Anyone who used Facebook between May 24, 2007, and Dec. 22, 2022 (which is a majority of the world's population) is a candidate for free funds.
After years of fighting a class-action suit that accused Facebook, and later its parent company, of sharing user data with third parties, Meta agreed in December to settle the case for $725 million. A judge tentatively approved that deal in April, when we learned more details on how to cash in. Some class members have filed objections, Reuters reports, but if you want a piece of whatever Meta ends up having to pay, you need to make that known.
Users must submit an eligible claim to collect any funds—and it's unclear how much the payout will be, but estimated around $35 per person. Request your share of it online by 11:59 p.m. PT on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. Forms may also be requested by phone and/or printed and mailed to the settlement administrator.
Eligibility is limited. You must, for instance, have lived in the US between May 24, 2007, and Dec. 22, 2022. (As a UK resident, I can't cash in.) Those who deleted their Facebook account since the end of 2022 but want some cash need to provide the date range they were a Facebook user.
Each settlement class member may file only one claim. Funds will be distributed via your choice of a prepaid Mastercard, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or direct deposit. A final approval hearing is scheduled for Sept. 7 to consider whether to even approve the settlement—in which case there may be appeals that could delay the payment schedule.
The window to request to opt-out and retain your right to separately sue Meta about this case closed on July 26. Do nothing, and you surrender your right to start a lawsuit, continue a lawsuit, or join any other lawsuit against Meta and will not receive a payment from this settlement.
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