Last updated: August 27, 2026. This article covers the $725 million Facebook Consumer Privacy User Profile settlement. It is not a new claim form or a promise of payment.

The Facebook settlement is a $725 million privacy settlement in In re: Facebook, Inc. Consumer Privacy User Profile Litigation, Case No. 3:18-md-02843-VC in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case arose from allegations that Facebook, now part of Meta, made users’ data available to third parties without consent. Meta denied wrongdoing while agreeing to resolve the litigation. This guide explains the current Facebook settlement payment status, who could qualify for the second distribution, how payout amounts were calculated, and how to avoid scams.[1]

Facebook Settlement Status in 2026

The most important update is simple: the Facebook settlement claim period is closed. The official settlement website says the court entered final-approval orders in October 2023, appeals were resolved in May 2025, and the settlement became final on May 22, 2025. The administrator began first-round payments in September 2025. On May 6, 2026, the court approved a second distribution from unclaimed funds; the official site said that distribution was expected to begin in June 2026.[1]

Who Was Eligible for the Facebook Settlement Payment?

Under the settlement notice, the class included people in the United States who were Facebook users at any time from May 24, 2007 through December 22, 2022. To receive money, a person needed to submit a timely, properly completed claim form that the settlement administrator approved. The deadline was August 25, 2023.[1]

✓You could have been eligible then if you used Facebook in the United States during the covered period and met the terms of the settlement.

✓You needed to act by August 25, 2023. Merely having a Facebook account did not create a new right to payment after the deadline.

✓You should use the official administrator for account-specific questions. This page provides general public information and cannot determine whether an individual claim was approved.

How Much Was the Facebook Settlement Payout?

There was no single guaranteed Facebook settlement payout. The plan of allocation used “allocation points,” which generally reflected the number of months that an approved claimant had a Facebook account during the covered period. A person who used Facebook longer could receive more points than a person with a shorter covered use period. The final amount also depended on the number of approved claims and the settlement’s costs and deductions.[2]

For the initial distribution, CBS News reported that a court filing stated the average payment was $29.43. Earlier reporting on that first distribution described a payment range from approximately $4.89 to $38.36. These figures describe historical first-round payments; they are not a promise of what any individual received or may receive.[3] [4]

Who Could Receive a Second Facebook Settlement Payment?

The second distribution was not a new Facebook class action settlement or a reopened claim period. It was a court-approved redistribution of unclaimed first-round money. News reports citing the administrator and court filings said the second distribution was for claimants who had received and successfully redeemed their initial payment. If you did not submit a valid claim by August 25, 2023, you do not become eligible because of the second distribution.[3] [4]

Reporting in June 2026 stated that recipients would receive an email from the settlement administrator before an eligible supplemental payment was issued. The method generally followed the payment option chosen for the original settlement claim. If you have questions about a payment, address update, or a possible check reissue, begin with the official settlement website rather than relying on social-media posts, text messages, or search ads.[1] [3]

What to Do Now—and How to Avoid Facebook Settlement Scams

Settlement headlines often attract phishing attempts. The official settlement website prominently warns consumers about requests for sensitive information or payment to receive a settlement award. A legitimate question about a past claim should start with the administrator’s verified website, not an unsolicited text message, a social-media direct message, or an unfamiliar link.[1]

What Was the Facebook Privacy Class Action Lawsuit About?

The Facebook privacy settlement resolved allegations that Facebook shared users’ personal information with third parties, including app developers, business partners, advertisers, and data brokers, without adequate consent or control. The litigation followed public attention to Cambridge Analytica, a data firm that obtained Facebook user information to help profile voters. Meta denied violating the law but agreed to the settlement to resolve the consolidated litigation.[1]

This was a consumer privacy class action lawsuit. It is separate from other lawsuits involving Facebook, Instagram, or Meta. Readers who want background on how a class action generally works can review Phillips Law Group’s guide to the class action lawsuit process. In particular, this settlement should not be confused with the social media addiction litigation, which concerns different allegations, injuries, parties, and legal issues.

Where Can I Find Help With a Different Class Action Question?

For general information about class actions and other legal matters, visit Phillips Law Group’s class action lawsuit resource. The firm’s verdicts and settlements page also provides information about results in the matters it has handled. Neither page changes the status of the Facebook privacy settlement, which is governed by its court-approved terms and the official administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Facebook Settlement

Can I still submit a Facebook settlement claim in 2026?

No. The deadline to submit a claim in the Facebook Consumer Privacy User Profile settlement was August 25, 2023. The court-approved second distribution did not reopen claims. If you did not file a timely claim, you cannot newly join this settlement.[1]

Why did some people receive a second Facebook settlement payment?

The court approved a second distribution of unclaimed first-round funds. Reports citing court filings said that people who received and successfully redeemed their first payment could be eligible for the supplemental distribution. It was not a new claim opportunity.[3] [4]

How much was the Facebook settlement payout?

Payments varied. The first distribution averaged $29.43 according to a court filing reported by CBS News, but individual amounts depended on the allocation plan, covered months of Facebook use, and other settlement factors. A payment figure reported online is not a guarantee of any person’s award.[2] [3]

Is a Facebook settlement email, text, or direct message legitimate?

Do not assume it is legitimate. The official settlement website has a fraud alert. Do not pay a fee or provide sensitive information simply because a message promises a Facebook payout. Instead, independently visit FacebookUserPrivacySettlement.com for verified support options.[1]

Is the Facebook privacy settlement the same as a social media addiction lawsuit?

No. The Facebook privacy settlement concerned consumer-data privacy allegations and has a closed claim period. Social media addiction litigation involves separate allegations and legal issues. Anyone with questions about a potential social-media harm case should seek information specific to that separate litigation.[5]

This article provides general information from public sources and is not legal advice. Settlement-administration instructions and court orders control the status of the Facebook Consumer Privacy User Profile settlement.

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