Not that I wish anyone anything bad…
But hey, this little rap on the knuckles couldn’t have happened to a more “deserving” platform.
If you don’t know what’s up, Meta has been ordered to pay out $725 million in compensation to Facebook users by a California judge.
Seeing how Facebook has treated the adult industry over the years, it’s pretty satisfying to get a little cash off them thanks to the 2018 Cambridge Analytica Scandal.
Little refresher if you don’t remember what the heck that is.
As reported on by the New York Times, it all started when The Observer of London and The Guardian uncovered a bunch of evidence that the political data firm known as Cambridge Analytica had gotten access to 87 million Facebook users’ information and was using it to build voter profiles. The Times stated that it was “the largest known leak in Facebook history” with the information being sold for use in political campaigns.
Of course, Meta denied any wrongdoing – claiming that they weren’t aware this was going on, but no one bought it. CEO Mark Zuckerberg had to testify before congress and was forced to pay out a hefty 5 billion dollar fine – the largest civil penalty in US history ever. After that, multiple lawsuits were served against Meta by disgruntled Facebook users. The case has now been settled and that’s what we’re interested in here – because you can get a piece of the pie.
But you’ve got to act soon if you haven’t filed a claim.
To qualify you must have had an account anytime between May 2007 and December 2022 and you must file by August 25, 11:59PST.
As a caveat, keep your payout expectations low… extremely low.
For one thing, the 725 million dollar pay out doesn’t include lawyer’s and administrative fees or the eight original plaintiffs’ cut as explained by The Hill. That will significantly reduce the disbursement amount. Next, not all Facebook users are the same – what you receive is dependent on a formula which awards you a point for every month you had an account between May 2007 and December 2022.
More points, more money… but how much money?
According to The Hill, who spoke with Scott Dodson, a distinguished professor of law at UC Law San Francisco and the director of the Center for Litigation and Courts, “Based on similar large class action settlements, Dodson estimated the higher end of payments might be in the ‘triple digits,’ with many more receiving less than $100.”
Frankly, I’ll be surprised if I hook up more than fifty bucks. But it’s the thought that counts – sticking it to a company that has been sticking it to adult for years is pretty awesome. Besides, fifty bucks is fifty bucks especially if I get it off Meta.
File your claim HERE.
Photo credit: iStock.com/Khosrork
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Alyssa Collins hails from Minnesota, where snowy days were the perfect excuse to stay warm inside and write. Over the years, she turned that joy into a career and has authored numerous articles for various publications (under pen names). Email Alyssa via alyssa@ynot.com.
