Facebook recently settled a lawsuit that could entitle certain users to receive a payment. The lawsuit alleged that Facebook violated users’ privacy by tracking their internet activity even when logged out of Facebook. As part of the settlement, Facebook has agreed to pay $90 million into a settlement fund that will be distributed to affected users. Not all Facebook users will be eligible to receive a payment – there are specific requirements that determine who may qualify. This article will provide an overview of the lawsuit, summarize who may be entitled to payment, explain how to file a claim, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Overview of the Facebook Lawsuit
In February 2022, a class action lawsuit was filed against Facebook alleging violations of privacy rights. The lawsuit claimed that between April 2010 and September 2011, Facebook tracked users’ browsing history and activity on external websites after they had logged out of Facebook. This tracking occurred through cookies, pixels, and other means. The plaintiffs alleged this violated federal and state privacy and wiretapping laws.
After over a year of litigation, Facebook agreed to settle the lawsuit in July 2023 for $90 million, pending court approval. The settlement establishes a fund to pay individual claims of users who were impacted by the alleged tracking during the specified period of time.
Settlement Class Definition
The settlement defines a class of people who may be eligible to receive a portion of the fund:
| Users located within the United States who between April 22, 2010 and September 26, 2011 visited sites that displayed the Facebook “Like” button and had logged out of their Facebook accounts |
So in order to potentially qualify for payment, individuals must have:
- Lived in the U.S. between April 2010 and September 2011
- Visited websites that had Facebook’s “Like” button
- Logged out of Facebook before visiting those sites
Who is Eligible for Payment?
Based on the class definition, the following groups of Facebook users may be eligible to receive a portion of the settlement fund:
Users Who Logged Out of Facebook Then Visited Sites with Like Buttons
If you logged out of Facebook and then visited other sites that had Facebook’s Like button during the specified class period, you may be entitled to payment. Facebook’s Like button was widespread during 2010-2011, so many external sites likely had it embedded. As long as you logged out of Facebook before browsing those sites, you may qualify.
Users Who Did Not Have Facebook Accounts
Individuals who did not have Facebook accounts between April 2010 and September 2011 may also be eligible. If you visited sites containing the Like button while not logged into Facebook, your browsing activity could have still been tracked and collected by Facebook through cookies. Non-users who meet the other class criteria may qualify for a settlement payment.
Minors Who Used Facebook
Minors under 18 who had Facebook accounts during the time period may also be entitled to settlement money. Facebook’s terms required users to be at least 13 years old, but some children under 13 still had accounts. If they logged out and browsed sites with Like buttons, they could receive payment.
How Much Will Individual Payments Be?
The exact payment amount per person has not yet been determined and will depend on how many claims are ultimately submitted. Facebook has agreed to pay $90 million total into the settlement fund. After deducting court-approved attorneys’ fees and expenses, administration costs, and any incentive awards for class representatives, the remaining amount will be distributed to settlement class members who file valid claims.
Given the potentially large class size, individual payments may be relatively small. For context, past similar privacy settlements resulted in payments ranging from $5 to $100 per person. The settlement website states the average payment will likely be around $25-30, but could be higher or lower depending on various factors.
How Do I File a Claim for Payment?
Class members must properly complete and submit a Claim Form to be eligible for payment. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to file a claim:
- Go to [SETTLEMENT WEBSITE URL]. This is the official settlement website that provides full details, documents, and allows online claim filing.
- Read through the information to ensure you are a class member eligible to file.
- Click the “File a Claim Online” button and answer the qualifying questions by providing details about your Facebook use during the 2010-2011 period.
- Provide your full name, contact information, and payment method details. This is where your share of the fund will be deposited.
- Electronically sign the Claim Form attesting that the information you provided is true and accurate.
- Confirm the authorization allowing administrators to verify your claim details, if needed.
- Click submit to complete your claim filing.
The deadline to file a claim online or by mail is [Claim Deadline]. Submitting a Claim Form is the only way to receive payment, so eligible users should file as soon as possible.
When Will Payments be Sent Out?
The settlement must receive final approval from the court before payments can be distributed. A court hearing for final approval is scheduled for [Final Approval Hearing Date].
If the court approves the settlement, then payments will be sent out after any appeals process concludes. It generally takes several months after a settlement is approved for payments to go out. Updates regarding the payment distribution timeline will be posted on the settlement website.
What Happens if I Do Nothing?
Class members who do nothing will remain part of the settlement, but will not receive any payment. You must submit a Claim Form to be eligible for payment.
By remaining part of the class, you give up the right to sue Facebook separately for claims relating to the alleged tracking outlined in the lawsuit. Not filing a claim is like choosing to stay with the class action and accept the settlement as is.
You will lose eligibility to receive any settlement money if you exclude yourself from the class by opting out. The deadline for exclusions is [Opt-Out Deadline].
What are the Liability Releases?
In exchange for receiving a settlement payment, class members agree to release Facebook and related entities from further liability for claims relating to the alleged tracking at issue in the lawsuit. This is a typical outcome in class action settlements.
Specifically, the settlement states that class members:
Release Defendants and the Released Parties from any and all actual and potential claims of every nature and description whatsoever relating to or arising out of the alleged tracking and collection of Internet browsing history while users were logged out of their Facebook accounts.
So you give up the right to sue Facebook separately for the tracking activities alleged in the lawsuit if you accept payment from the settlement fund.
Can I Object to the Settlement?
If you disagree with the terms of the settlement or feel the amount is insufficient, you can object to the settlement and explain your concerns to the court. The deadline for submitting objections is [Objection Deadline].
You may hire your own attorney to represent you in filing an objection for a valid legal reason. Specific instructions for objecting to the settlement are detailed on the settlement website and in the court filings.
Objecting to the settlement will not make you ineligible to receive payment if you also submit a valid Claim Form.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Facebook browsing history settlement:
Who is the Settlement Administrator?
Analytics Consulting LLC has been appointed by the court as the Settlement Administrator to manage claims, send out payments, and provide customer support.
How will my information be used?
Your contact information is collected solely for purposes of sending payment and communicating about the settlement. Personal information is kept private, secure, and not shared publicly.
What should I do if my address changes?
Promptly update your address with the Settlement Administrator so any payment can still reach you. You can log into the claims portal or email the Administrator directly.
What if I have additional questions?
Visit the settlement website which provides extensive details and FAQs. You can also email [email address] or call [phone number] for help. The Administrator’s team is available to answer any questions about eligibility, documentation, deadlines, payments, or any other settlement-related issues.
Conclusion
In summary, Facebook has agreed to a $90 million settlement to resolve claims over tracking users who had logged out of Facebook between 2010-2011. Certain groups of users like those who logged out before browsing Like button-enabled sites may qualify for payment. Affected individuals must properly file a Claim Form online or by mail before the deadline to receive their share of the fund. The court still needs to give final approval to the settlement before payment distribution can begin. Class members can learn more details, see if they are eligible, and file claims by visiting the official settlement website or contacting the Administrator directly with questions.