Facebook (Meta) has paid out over $3 billion in class action settlements related to privacy violations, biometric data collection, and user tracking. The largest – a $725 million user privacy settlement – began sending payments of $4.89–$38.36 in September 2025. Several other settlements are still paying out, and new lawsuits continue to be filed in 2026.
Total Settlements Combined
Largest User Privacy Case
Texas Biometric Penalty
Facebook – now Meta – has become the most-sued tech company in history over privacy violations. From secretly tracking users across the internet to harvesting biometric data without consent, the company has been hit with billions in settlements. If you used Facebook at any point since 2007, there’s a good chance you were part of at least one class action.
This guide covers every major Facebook class action settlement in 2026: who qualifies, how much people are actually getting paid, which cases still have open claims, and what new lawsuits could mean for your wallet.
Every Facebook/Meta Class Action Settlement in 2026
| Settlement | Amount | Avg Payout | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Privacy ($725M) | $725,000,000 | $29.42 | |
| Texas Biometric (CUBI) | $1,400,000,000 | State fund (no consumer payout) | |
| Illinois BIPA (Face Tags) | $650,000,000 | $345+ |
Paid Out
|
| Internet Tracking ($90M) | $90,000,000 | $40.67 | |
| Instagram BIPA (IL) | $68,500,000 | TBD |
Claims Closed
|
| California Privacy | $50,000,000 | State fund |
Settled
|
| Location Tracking | $37,500,000 | ~$30 | |
| AARP Video Privacy | $12,500,000 | $47–$237 |
Awaiting Approval (Feb 2026)
|
$725 Million User Privacy Settlement – Payments Going Out Now
| Status | |
| Settlement Amount | $725,000,000 |
| Eligibility Period | May 24, 2007 – December 22, 2022 |
| Claim Deadline | August 25, 2023 (Passed) |
| Avg Payment | $29.42 (min $4.89, max $38.36) |
| Settlement Website | FacebookUserPrivacySettlement.com |
What Happened
This is Facebook’s largest consumer settlement ever. The lawsuit alleged that Meta improperly shared users’ personal information with third-party sources, including advertisers and data brokers, without consent. The case consolidated multiple lawsuits spanning over 15 years of Facebook’s data practices.
The settlement was finalized on May 22, 2025, and on August 27, the court ordered that payments begin. The settlement administrator started issuing checks on September 15, 2025, with payments going out in batches over approximately 10 weeks.
How Much Are People Getting?
Claimants receive one “point” for each month they had an active Facebook account during the eligibility period (May 2007 – December 2022). The settlement fund is divided proportionally based on total points across all claimants.
| Account Duration | Approximate Points | Estimated Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 years | 12–36 | $4.89 – $10 |
| 5–8 years | 60–96 | $15 – $25 |
| 10–15 years (full period) | 120–186 | $29 – $38.36 |
According to court filings, the average payment is $29.42 and the maximum is $38.36. The minimum payment is $4.89. Payments are being distributed by check or electronic transfer.
Legitimate settlement emails come from info@facebookuserprivacysettlement.com only. They will never ask for your Social Security number, bank login credentials, or any upfront payment. If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from this settlement, report it to the settlement administrator. CBS News has a detailed guide on identifying legitimate settlement communications.
$1.4 Billion Texas Biometric Data Settlement
In July 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a $1.4 billion settlement with Meta – the largest penalty ever obtained by a single state against any company. The case alleged that Facebook’s facial recognition feature (“Tag Suggestions”) collected biometric data from millions of Texans without consent, violating the Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI).
For over a decade, Facebook automatically ran facial recognition software on every photo uploaded to the platform. The “Tag Suggestions” feature, introduced in 2011, was turned on by default – meaning Facebook was scanning and storing users’ facial geometry without ever asking permission.
Unlike class action settlements, this $1.4 billion goes to the State of Texas, not individual users. Meta will pay the amount over five years. The Texas AG’s office has not announced whether any portion will be distributed to affected residents. However, the settlement sets an important precedent for state-level privacy enforcement.
$650 Million Illinois BIPA Settlement – Already Paid Out
The original biometric privacy case against Facebook resulted in a $650 million settlement for Illinois residents. The lawsuit alleged that Facebook’s “Tag Suggestions” feature violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by collecting facial recognition data without written consent.
Approximately 1.6 million Illinois Facebook users received at least $345 each – one of the largest per-person payouts in class action history. This case pioneered biometric privacy litigation and directly influenced the Texas case that followed.
The claim deadline and payments for this settlement have both passed. If you were an Illinois Facebook user and missed this one, the other active settlements listed below may still apply to you.
$90 Million Internet Tracking Settlement
| Status | |
| Settlement Amount | $90,000,000 |
| Eligibility Period | April 22, 2010 – September 26, 2011 |
| Avg Payment | ~$40.67 |
| Settlement Website | FBInternetTrackingSettlement.com |
This settlement resolved allegations that Facebook used tracking cookies to monitor users’ internet activity on third-party websites – even after they logged off Facebook. If a website had a Facebook “Like” button, Facebook could track your visit regardless of whether you clicked the button or were even logged in.
The settlement also required Facebook to delete all cookie data collected from class members during the eligibility period – a requirement described as unprecedented in data privacy litigation.
Payments of approximately $40.67 per claimant began going out in early 2025. The claim deadline has passed (September 22, 2022).
$37.5 Million Location Tracking Settlement
Meta agreed to pay $37.5 million to settle claims that Facebook tracked users’ locations through their IP addresses even when they had explicitly turned off Location Services on their phones.
The case covered U.S. Facebook users who disabled location services for the Facebook app between January 30, 2015 and April 18, 2018. Final approval was granted in March 2024, and payments of approximately $30 per claimant began rolling out in September 2025.
The claim deadline passed on August 11, 2023.
$68.5 Million Instagram BIPA Settlement
Instagram (owned by Meta) agreed to a separate $68.5 million settlement over alleged BIPA violations in Illinois. The case alleged that Instagram collected facial geometry data from photos and videos without the required written consent.
Approximately 4 million Illinois residents who used Instagram between August 2015 and August 2023 may be eligible. Payment amounts depend on how many valid claims were filed and how long each user actively used the platform.
Think You’re Owed Money from a Data Breach?
MoneyPilot helps you track active class action settlements and find money you didn’t know you were owed.
$12.5 Million AARP-Facebook Video Privacy Settlement
This is one of the most recent Facebook-related settlements and is still awaiting court approval. If approved, AARP members who accessed videos on AARP.org while also having a Facebook account may be eligible for $47 to $237.
The lawsuit alleged that AARP shared video viewing data with Facebook through the Meta Pixel tracking tool, violating the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). The class includes AARP members or registered users of AARP.org who:
- Accessed videos on AARP.org in the United States
- Had a Facebook account at the time
- Did so between September 27, 2020 and September 12, 2025
The claim deadline was December 31, 2025. If the court approves the settlement at the February 10, 2026 hearing, payments are expected in mid-to-late 2026.
$50 Million California Privacy Settlement
In December 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a $50 million settlement with Meta resolving allegations that Facebook deceived millions of users about their privacy controls. The investigation found that Meta allowed third-party apps to improperly access personal information for years despite promising users their data was protected.
Under the three-year agreement, Meta must disclose to users what information third-party apps will access before users authorize the apps and provide an option to withhold authorization. Like the Texas settlement, this money goes to the state – not directly to individual consumers.
New Facebook/Meta Lawsuits to Watch in 2026
Meta’s legal troubles are far from over. These pending cases could result in future settlements:
| Lawsuit | Allegation | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois AR Filter BIPA Suit | Facebook scanned faces through augmented reality filters without consent | $1,000–$5,000 per violation under BIPA; Feb 2026 ruling kept the case alive |
| Meta Pixel Tracking Wave | Companies using Facebook Pixel shared sensitive consumer data with Meta | Dozens of companies settling; potential Meta liability for receiving the data |
| Children’s Mental Health | Instagram/Facebook designed to addict minors, causing mental health harm | Multi-state AG lawsuit + hundreds of school district lawsuits |
How to Check if Facebook Owes You Money
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check the $725M settlement | Visit FacebookUserPrivacySettlement.com. If you filed a claim before Aug 25, 2023, your payment should arrive by late 2025. |
| 2 | Check the $90M tracking settlement | Visit FBInternetTrackingSettlement.com if you used Facebook between April 2010 and September 2011. |
| 3 | Check your email for payment notices | Search your inbox for emails from settlement administrators. Legitimate emails will come from official @settlement.com domains – never from Gmail or other free providers. |
| 4 | Monitor new lawsuits | Sign up at Top Class Actions for notifications about new Facebook/Meta cases with open claims. |
Even a $725 million fund doesn’t go far when tens of millions of people file claims. After attorney fees (typically 25–33% of the fund), administrative costs, and pro-rata reductions for high claim volumes, individual payouts shrink dramatically. The real value of these settlements is forcing companies like Meta to change their behavior – Facebook permanently disabled its facial recognition system in 2021 partly because of this litigation pressure.
Stop Companies from Profiting Off Your Data
MoneyPilot helps you find hidden charges, cancel data-harvesting subscriptions, and claim settlement money you’re owed.
Settlement Payment Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will I get from the Facebook $725 million settlement? +
Can I still file a Facebook class action claim in 2026? +
Is the Facebook settlement payment email legitimate? +
What was the Illinois Facebook BIPA settlement? +
Why did Texas get $1.4 billion from Meta? +
What new Facebook lawsuits could I benefit from? +
Last updated: March 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.