If you’re one of the millions of people who used Facebook between 2007 and 2022, you may be eligible to claim a piece of the multi-million dollar Facebook data privacy settlement—but time is running out. In 2025, the deadline to file a claim is fast approaching, and failing to act could mean forfeiting your right to compensation.
This guide explains the lawsuit, who’s eligible, how to file, and what you can expect in terms of payout if you act before it’s too late.
What Is the Facebook Data Breach Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit stems from multiple privacy violations involving unauthorized data sharing, including the infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal, where Facebook user data was sold without proper consent to third parties for political targeting.
The core allegations were:
- Facebook improperly shared personal user data with outside apps and data brokers
- The platform allowed unauthorized third-party access to user information, even after account deactivation
- Facebook failed to provide sufficient privacy protections, violating user trust
In response, Facebook (now Meta Platforms Inc.) agreed to a $725 million settlement to resolve claims that it breached federal and state privacy laws.
Who Qualifies for a Facebook Settlement Claim in 2025?
You may be eligible if:
- You were a Facebook user in the U.S. between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022
- You did not opt out of the settlement agreement
- You submit a valid claim form by the legal deadline
You do not need to prove harm or that your specific account was accessed—only that you had a Facebook account during the eligible time frame.
How Much Will You Get?
Payout amounts vary based on:
- How long you had a Facebook account during the eligibility period
- How many users file valid claims
- Attorney fees and administrative costs, which are deducted from the $725 million pool
Early estimates suggest users could receive between $30 and $300, with long-term users potentially receiving more. The exact amount depends on the number of valid claims submitted.
What Does the Lawsuit Cover?
The lawsuit resolves claims related to:
- Improper sharing of data with Cambridge Analytica
- Inadequate user control over privacy settings
- Continued data tracking after users deactivated accounts
- Breaches of federal and state privacy and consumer protection laws
Note: This is a settlement, not an admission of wrongdoing. Meta has denied all allegations but agreed to pay to avoid prolonged litigation.
When Is the Facebook Settlement Deadline in 2025?
As of the latest update, the deadline to file a claim is expected to fall in Q2 of 2025, based on court approvals and administrative processing. The final date will be confirmed via official settlement websites and court announcements.
Missing this deadline means you will not receive any payment.
How to File a Facebook Settlement Claim
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to claim your payout:
Step 1: Visit the Official Settlement Website
Go to the approved site: facebookuserprivacysettlement.com
(Always confirm the URL—scam sites may look similar)
Step 2: Complete the Online Claim Form
You’ll be asked to enter:
- Your full name
- Email address
- Phone number (if available)
- Dates you were a Facebook user
- Payment method (e.g., PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, prepaid card)
Step 3: Submit the Form Before the Deadline
Save your confirmation number or screenshot your submission for your records.
Step 4: Wait for Final Approval and Payout
Once all claims are reviewed and the court approves distributions, payments will be sent via your selected method. This may take several months after the deadline.
Can You File if You Deleted Your Facebook Account?
Yes. Even if you deleted your account years ago, you may still be eligible—as long as you can confirm you were a Facebook user between May 2007 and December 2022.
You don’t need to provide login credentials or reactivate your account. Claimants may self-certify their usage period.
What If You’re Filing on Behalf of Someone Else?
You can file on behalf of:
- A deceased user (with proof of estate authority)
- A minor who used Facebook during the eligibility window
- Someone who is incapacitated, if you are their legal guardian or representative
In these cases, you may be asked to submit legal documents proving your authority.
What Happens After You File?
After submitting your claim:
- The administrator will verify your information
- The court will hold a final approval hearing
- If approved, payments will begin to be distributed
Expect the timeline to take 6–9 months from the final claim deadline, though it may be shorter depending on the number of claimants.
Are There Other Lawsuits Related to Facebook Privacy?
Yes. While this is the main nationwide settlement, Facebook has faced and continues to face:
- Biometric privacy lawsuits under Illinois’ BIPA laws
- Class actions related to Instagram and WhatsApp user data
- FTC investigations into advertising practices and user consent policies
Each of these is separate, and this particular lawsuit covers data sharing violations between 2007 and 2022.
Final Thoughts
The Facebook data breach lawsuit marks a major step in holding tech giants accountable for user privacy violations. If you had an account between 2007 and 2022, you’re likely eligible for a portion of the $725 million settlement—but only if you act before the deadline.
Filing your claim is free, easy, and takes just a few minutes. Don’t leave money on the table—this may be your only chance to be compensated for Facebook’s mishandling of your personal data.