Background: The Lawsuit That Sparked the Payout
A years-old class action lawsuit involving Facebook has finally resulted in payouts for certain users in the United States. Originally filed in 2022, the lawsuit accused Facebook—now part of Meta Platforms Inc.—of unlawfully tracking users’ online activity on third-party websites through the use of the platform’s “Like” button.
This wasn’t about posts or interactions on Facebook itself. Instead, it focused on Facebook’s practice of collecting personal data from users who visited other websites that featured the Facebook “Like” plugin.
Table of Contents
Who Was Eligible to Receive a Payment?
Criteria for Inclusion in the Settlement
To be part of the class action settlement, individuals had to meet very specific criteria:
- Be a Facebook user in the United States
- Have visited a non-Facebook website that featured the “Like” button
- Have done so during the time period between April 22, 2010, and September 26, 2011
How Users Claimed Their Share
Eligible users were given the opportunity to submit a valid claim form before the court-approved deadline. The claims process was straightforward and available online, making it accessible to most users who believed they qualified.
When and How Were Payments Sent?
April 2025 Payouts Issued
According to official court documents, payments were issued on April 10, 2025, to class members who filed approved claims. The exact amount each person received depends on the number of valid claims submitted, as the $90 million settlement fund had to be divided among all eligible participants.
What This Case Means for Facebook and Data Privacy
A Landmark Case in User Privacy Rights
This case serves as a major precedent in how large tech companies are held accountable for data collection practices that users may not be aware of. It highlights growing legal and public scrutiny over how personal information is tracked and used—especially when users are not directly interacting with the platform in question.
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Ongoing Concerns Over Online Tracking
Even though this specific lawsuit has been resolved, it reflects broader concerns about how platforms like Facebook continue to monitor user behavior across the web. The settlement may encourage other companies to re-evaluate their data privacy practices to avoid similar litigation.
Final Thoughts
The Facebook “Like” button lawsuit is a reminder that even passive interactions with online content can have long-term implications for user privacy. If you were eligible and submitted a claim, keep an eye out for your payment. And whether or not you participated in this lawsuit, it’s a good time to review your privacy settings and stay informed about how your data is being used online.
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