Facebook has agreed to a $725 million settlement in a class action lawsuit brought by users who alleged that the company’s facial recognition technology violated their privacy rights. If you are a Facebook user who was affected by the technology, you may be eligible to receive a portion of the settlement. Here’s what you need to know:
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for a portion of the settlement, you must meet the following criteria:
You must have been a Facebook user between June 7, 2011, and August 19, 2023.
You must have lived in Illinois, which was the only state to have a law that specifically required companies to obtain written consent before using facial recognition technology on their users.
Your facial template must have been created and stored by Facebook during the above-mentioned period.
How to Apply
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit a claim online by visiting the settlement website. The website will ask you to provide some basic information, such as your name, email address, and Facebook username. You will also need to provide a statement confirming that you were a Facebook user during the relevant period and that your facial template was created and stored by the company.
How Much Can You Receive?
The amount of money you can receive from the settlement will depend on how many people submit valid claims. If the number of claims is small, each person may receive a larger payout. If the number of claims is large, the payout per person may be lower. According to the settlement terms, the minimum payout is $200, and the maximum payout is $400.
When Will You Receive Your Payment?
Payments will be made after the settlement is approved by the court, which is expected to happen in the coming months. Once the settlement is approved, Facebook will begin distributing the funds to eligible users. You will receive your payment either by check or by direct deposit, depending on the preference you indicated when you submitted your claim.
In conclusion, if you are a Facebook user who was affected by the company’s facial recognition technology, you may be eligible to receive a portion of the $725 million settlement. To apply, visit the settlement website and provide the required information. Payments will be made after the settlement is approved by the court, and you can expect to receive your payment either by check or by direct deposit.
