The recent class action settlement between Facebook and Canadian users, which was worth $51 million, is a major move in the increasing examination of the data privacy policies of internet companies. An increasing number of people are becoming concerned about how businesses manage personal information, and this settlement is the conclusion of years of court fights.
We will go into the specifics of the settlement, investigate its consequences for users, and provide views on how to profit from the settlement, along with suggestions, fact checks, and future updates. All of this will be covered in this extensive essay.
$51M Facebook Class Action Settlement In Canada
At the beginning of the year 2024, Facebook settled with Canadian users that was worth $51 million. The payment was part of a class action lawsuit that said the firm had improperly managed the personal data of its users.
The notorious Cambridge Analytica incident, in which it was discovered that the personal information of millions of Facebook users had been acquired without their knowledge for the sake of political advertising, was the impetus for this case. As part of the settlement, impacted consumers will get compensation, and going ahead, more stringent data protection policies will be implemented.
As a result of the unauthorized gathering and use of personal data by third-party apps on Facebook, the class action lawsuit was started as a reaction. Among the millions of people all around the globe whose data was exposed, Canadian users were among them. 2018 marked the beginning of the legal struggle, and after several years of discussions, a settlement was ultimately struck. Specifically, this action brings to light the serious problem of data privacy and the need to impose stringent restrictions to safeguard customers.
Overview of $51M Facebook Class Action Settlement In Canada
| Claim Name | Canada $51M Facebook Class Action settlement |
| Country | Canada |
| Payment Method | Online |
| Post Category | Finance |
Settlement Specificities
Users of Facebook in Canada who were impacted by the data leak will get the $51 million compensation that has been agreed upon. It is anticipated that each qualified user would get a percentage of the settlement, the amount of which relies on the number of claimants. Conditions for Facebook to improve its data privacy protections are also included in the settlement. These conditions will ensure that user data will be protected more effectively in the future.
What is the Facebook Class Action Lawsuit About?
There have been claims that Meta Platforms (previously Facebook, Inc.) violated the laws of various Canadian provinces by using the names and photographs of class members in sponsored stories advertising without their authorization. As a result, a class action settlement of $51 million has been struck with Meta Platforms. There are around 4.3 million people who might potentially be considered members of the class, according to estimates.
Some Facebook friends’ behaviours, such as when a user “Likes” a product or service, might trigger sponsored stories, which are a sort of Facebook advertisement that promotes a product, page, or business. Sponsored stories are a type of Facebook ad.
Even though these advertisements were only shown to the user’s friends on Facebook, the class action complaint claims that Facebook breached privacy rules in Canada by disclosing the preferences of its users without first obtaining their approval. As part of sponsored stories, it is possible that the following types of user behaviours were tracked:
- The creation of a tale is triggered if a buddy likes a page.
- When a buddy checks into a company, a narrative is produced about that occurrence.
- It is possible to construct a tale whenever a buddy publishes it on the wall of a Page.
- The creation of a tale is triggered whenever a buddy likes a post on a page.
- A narrative is created whenever a buddy comments on a post that is made on a page.
- It is possible to construct a tale for a buddy by sharing a post on a page.
- When you claim an offer, you can build a narrative for a buddy.
- It is possible to construct a tale for a buddy by responding to a question.
- A friend may be given a narrative that was created by using a Facebook app.
- The act of going to an event will result in a tale being told to a friend.
- Creating a tale for a friend may be accomplished by sharing a link from a certain website.
How can I become eligible for a payout?
You must have been a resident of one of the following Canadian provinces to be eligible for a settlement payout:
- As well as British Columbia
- This is Saskatchewan.
- It is Manitoba.
- Both Newfoundland and Labrador are included.
Any time between January 1, 2011, and May 30, 2014, you must have used Facebook at some point in your life. In addition to this, you must have created your account using the correct name or have had a photograph for your profile that included your genuine face. Even though it is hard to know for certain whether or not your information was used in a Sponsored Story, it is considered that everyone who meets the requirements outlined above may be entitled to receive a portion of the settlement payments.
Even though you have many Facebook accounts, you are only allowed to submit a single claim form. Furthermore, only individual accounts meet the requirements to join; Facebook corporate accounts are not permitted to take part.
Where can I find it?
A maximum of two hundred dollars may be awarded to each qualifying claimant; however, the actual amount that will be awarded to each claimant will be decided by the total number of claims that have been submitted. Depending on the total number of legitimate claim forms that are received by the deadline, the projected payout can be lower than what was originally anticipated.
What You Should Know to Protect Your Data
The settlement is a timely reminder of the need to protect the privacy of one’s data. The following are some suggestions to help you protect your personal information:
Examine Your Privacy Settings It is important to regularly examine and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to restrict the amount of information that is shared with third parties.
Watch Out for Apps Provided by Third Parties: You should avoid giving rights to third-party programs that are not essential, and you should routinely evaluate the applications that are linked to your social network accounts.
Make use of secure passwords: Make certain that your accounts are protected by using robust and one-of-a-kind passwords, and activate two-factor authentication wherever it is possible.
Remain in the Know: Maintain current awareness of the most recent developments in the field of data privacy and adapt your procedures appropriately.
Benefits that may be obtained from the Settlement
By making a claim, users who are eligible to receive benefits from the settlement may do so. The method requires establishing that the individual’s identity has been confirmed and proving that their data has been hacked. It is possible to get comprehensive instructions on how to submit a claim by visiting the official website of the settlement.
Because there is a predetermined time limit for the submission of claims, consumers need to take fast action. Additionally, consumers should make sure that the information they supply is correct to prevent any delays or issues in the process of getting their settlement.
A Check of the Facts: The Real Story Behind the Settlement
Within the context of the $51 million settlement, there are many misconceptions. The following must be made very clear:
To qualify for compensation, only those Canadian Facebook users who were impacted by the data breach are eligible. Not all Facebook users in Canada are eligible for reimbursement.
In terms of compensation, the precise amount that will be given to each user is contingent upon the total number of claims. As the payment will be distributed among a vast number of people, it is quite improbable that consumers would get a substantial amount.
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Administrative Expenses and Legal Fees: A percentage of the settlement will be used to fund administrative expenses and legal fees, which will reduce the total amount that is available for distribution.
Calista Embry is a finance journalist who graduated from Johns Hopkins University. She has a passion for writing and researching the impact of finance on social life.