Meta (formerly Facebook) has begun distributing payments from a $725 million privacy settlement related to users’ data mis-use, including the high-profile 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal. 

The settlement was approved by U.S. courts and covers users whose information was improperly accessed or shared with third parties between May 24, 2007 and December 22, 2022.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility includes anyone who had a Facebook account in the U.S. during the period above and who filed a claim before the August 25, 2023 deadline. 

Out of ~29 million claims submitted, about 18 million were validated as of September 2023.

How Much Will You Get?

Payouts will vary based on how long the user had their Facebook account during the covered period. A point-system is used: every month of active usage earns points, and the total pool is divided by the sum of all points across claimants. 

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The average (or median) payment is expected to be around $30, though amounts may be lower or higher depending on account history. 

How Payments Are Being Made

Payments started rolling out in batches and will continue over approximately 10 weeks. 

Eligible users will receive a notification email from the settlement administrator before the funds are transferred to their bank. Depending on what method was chosen during the claim (direct deposit, prepaid card, paper check, PayPal, Venmo, etc.), payment method may differ

The email subject will typically come from “Facebook User Privacy Settlement Administrator” and include details like your claim ID and status. 

Important Notes & What to Watch Out For

• If you didn’t file a claim by the deadline, you are likely no longer eligible. 
• Be sure to check your email (including spam folder) for a notice from the settlement administrator. 
• Don’t fall for scams: the settlement administrator will not ask for payment or sensitive personal info to release funds. Genuine emails will reference your claim ID. 
• Legal fees and expenses have been deducted from the total settlement. The net fund being distributed is significantly less than the gross $725 million. 

The court ordered payments to begin by late August 2025, with the distribution spanning around 10 weeks. 

For those who have already been approved, look for the payment to hit your bank account as soon as your notification arrives. For others, wait for the settlement administrator’s email confirming your payment status. 

This settlement is a reminder of the legal risks tied to data privacy and how companies must handle user information carefully. For users, it’s a signal to review privacy settings, understand how your data is used, and opt out where possible. Meta, meanwhile, though not admitting wrongdoing, has agreed to the payout as part of resolving the lawsuit without further litigation.