In July 2021, Facebook agreed to pay $725 million to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by a group of users who claimed that the social media giant had violated their privacy rights.
The lawsuit alleged that Facebook’s use of facial recognition technology without users’ consent had violated an Illinois state law called the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).
Under the settlement, Facebook agreed to pay $725 million to eligible class members, who are Facebook users in Illinois who were tagged in photos on the platform between June 7, 2011, and August 19, 2020. Each eligible class member is expected to receive a payment of at least $345.
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It’s worth noting that Facebook did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. However, the company did agree to obtain explicit consent from users before using facial recognition technology in Illinois in the future.
Why is Meta planning to settle the lawsuit?
The tech giant Meta is paying to settle a claim that the biggest social media network in the world permitted millions of its users’ personal information to be given to Cambridge Analytica, a company that assisted President Trump’s 2016 campaign.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and others employed Cambridge Analytica, a British political consulting firm, in their campaigns for president.
How to apply for the settlement?
By visiting Facebookuserprivacysettlement.com, Facebook users can file a claim by providing their name, address, and email address as well as proof that they resided in the U.S. and used Facebook between the aforementioned dates. Users can print out the paperwork and mail it in or fill it out online to apply for the settlement.
Who can apply for privacy settlement?
Anybody who has had a Facebook account in the US between May 24, 2007, and December 22, can submit an application for their portion of a USD 725 million privacy settlement. People have until August 25 to enter a claim.
