Millions of Facebook users are now receiving their share of the $725 million privacy settlement, marking the end of a legal battle that began with the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
After years of legal proceedings, Facebook users who filed claims in Meta's $725 million settlement related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal are finally receiving payments. The distribution process began in September 2025, representing one of the largest privacy settlements in social media history.
The average payment amount is approximately $29.43, with a maximum of approximately $38.36, according to court documents. Payments may range from $4.89 to $38.36, depending on account activity.
Users who maintained active Facebook accounts for longer periods during the eligible timeframe are receiving higher payouts.
The settlement stems from allegations that Facebook improperly shared user data with third parties, most notably during the Cambridge Analytica scandal that exposed personal information from millions of users without consent for political advertising purposes. Angeion, the designated settlement administrator, confirmed that "the distribution of settlement benefits has commenced and will continue for approximately 10 weeks".
Who's Eligible and How Payments Work
All Facebook users who had accounts between May 7, 2007, and December 22, 2022, were eligible for the settlement—but only those who filed claims before the August 25, 2023, deadline will receive payments.
Email notifications are sent three to four days before payment is issued, with funds distributed via the payment method specified during the claims process (PayPal, Venmo, or bank transfer).
Broader Privacy Implications
This settlement represents a significant moment for digital privacy rights, demonstrating that tech giants can face substantial financial consequences for mishandling user data. The Cambridge Analytica scandal fundamentally changed how users and regulators view social media data practices, leading to stricter privacy regulations and increased scrutiny of tech companies' data-sharing practices.
For users who haven't received notifications yet, the 10-week distribution timeline means payments will continue through late November 2025. Those experiencing payment issues should contact the settlement administrator at [email protected].