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The Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal, which rocked the tech world, culminated in a historic settlement. This case, which resulted in a staggering US$5 billion penalty against Meta, Facebook’s parent company, also led to the establishment of a US$725 million compensation fund specifically for impacted users in the United States.
For those potentially affected, claims for compensation began on June 30 and will remain open until December 31. This window provides a crucial opportunity for eligible individuals to seek redress.
Eligibility criteria for claiming a share of the settlement are clear. Individuals who believe they might have been impacted by the data misuse can apply, even if they did not receive direct notification. To do so, they need to follow the standard claim process and furnish proof of their involvement.
This compensation scheme represents a significant effort to address the privacy breaches and restore trust among users, marking a pivotal moment in the realm of data protection and corporate accountability.
Who can apply?
You can apply if you:
- held a Facebook account between 2 November 2013 and 17 December 2015 (the eligibility period);
- were in Australia for more than 30 days during that period, and
- either installed the Life app or were Facebook friends with someone who did.
How to apply – but watch for scams
If you didn’t get that notification but you think you were affected, you can make a claim using the standard process by proving:
- your identity, such as with a passport or driver’s licence
- you held a Facebook account and were located in Australia during the eligibility period.
But watch out for scammers pretending to be from Facebook or to be helping with claims.
Which payout could you be eligible for?
You’ll also need to show damage was caused by the Cambridge Analytica data breach. For many people, proving extensive loss or damage may be difficult.
It’s a much easier process — but also likely to be a much smaller payment.
Payments are expected to be made from around August 2026.
How much are payouts likely to be?
