Facebook Privacy Settlement 2023: What You Need to Know

Facebook Case No. 3:18-md-02843-VC is a legal case filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California in 2018. This case combines many lawsuits alleging various privacy violations and data breaches that were filed against Facebook into one multidistrict litigation (MDL). In other words, all the lawsuits will be heard together by one judge to promote efficiency, and consistency in decision-making. The case has far-reaching implications for Facebook’s handling of user data and privacy, and it has been closely watched by privacy advocates and tech companies alike.

The outcome of Facebook Case No. 3:18-md-02843-VC is not a single ruling or decision, but rather a series of settlements and judgments that have been reached over time. In general, the outcomes of the settled lawsuits involve Facebook agreeing to pay fines or compensation to affected users, implementing new privacy policies and measures to protect user data, and improving transparency around data collection and usage. 

Who Is Eligible for the Facebook Privacy Settlement?

Per the Settlement submission website

• “You may file a claim if you were a Facebook user in the United States between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, inclusive. Each Settlement Class Member may only file one claim.”

This does not mean you must have a current Facebook account; only that you had one within the settlement’s stated time frame.

How Do I Sign Up for the Facebook Privacy Settlement?

To claim your share of the settlement, follow these steps:

1. Visit Facebook User Privacy Settlement to learn more about the settlement and how to claim your share.
2. Provide the necessary information. You will need to provide your name, email address, zip code, Facebook ID, and a photo of your face.
3. File your claim before the deadline. The deadline to file a claim by mail is August 25, 2023 (your item must be postmarked on or before that date). Online  submissions must be made by 11:59 p.m. PDT on August 25, 2023. If you don’t claim your share by that date, you will not be eligible for compensation from this settlement.

What are my other options?

1. Opt Out: You can choose to opt out of the settlement by submitting a written request. This must be submitted before August 25, 2023, at the same website or mailing address as filed compensation claims. If you opt out of the settlement or file an objection, you will not be eligible for any compensation from this settlement. However, you will retain your right to sue Facebook in a later filing.
2. Object: You can file an objection to the settlement if you don’t agree with it or think it isn’t fair. This must be done in writing and postmarked no later than August 25, 2023.
   1. Attend the Hearing: You can attend a fairness hearing in court on September 27, 2023, to ask questions or make statements about the settlement. You must submit your written objection before August 25, 2023 in order to be eligible to do this.
3. Do Nothing: Should you choose to do nothing, you will still be bound by the terms of this settlement. You will not receive any compensation. You would be waiving your rights to object or opt out of this settlement, and your rights to file a suit against Facebook later.

Regardless of which option you choose, it is always advised that you keep a copy of your objection/opt-out letter for your legal records. This means keep a signed and dated copy of any documents you send. At a minimum we recommend you send your letter with a Certificate of Mailing form PS 3817 (for a single article of mail) or send it as Certified Mail (which will return the mailing receipt as proof of delivery and also allows online tracking of your documents). These methods of mailing do cost more, but provide proof that the Post Office received your mail with a date stamp.

What Will I Receive from the Facebook Privacy Settlement?

The amount of money you get from the Facebook Settlement depends on how many people submit claims and how long they used Facebook during the time period covered by the Settlement. First, certain costs will be taken out of the total Settlement Fund. This remaining amount is called the Net Settlement Fund and is what will be used to pay people who are eligible to receive money. The Net Settlement Fund will be divided among Settlement Class Members based on how long they had an active Facebook account during the covered time period. After the claim deadline, each person’s share will be calculated by multiplying the per-point amount by the number of points assigned to them.

Is the Facebook Privacy Settlement a Scam?

We researched the claim and there is no indication that it or the site used to collect your data is a scam. There is a case number that can be verified. As well, it has been approved by a judge and is overseen by court-appointed administrators. Furthermore, the claim process is transparent, and users can be assured that their personal information is kept secure.

Final Thoughts

If you were a Facebook user in the United States between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, you may be eligible for a payout from the Facebook Privacy Settlement. To claim your share, visit Facebook User Privacy Settlement before the August 25, 2023, deadline to submit your claim online or by mail. Remember, the claim process is secure, and you may only file one claim. The amount of payout will be determined by the settlement total amount and the number of claimants who file for restitution with the settlement. We can hope this settlement will encourage Facebook to prioritize user data privacy in the future.