March 11, 2024. Judge James Donato of the Northern District of California has granted final approval for a $37.5 million settlement in the class action lawsuit against Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook). The lawsuit resolves allegations that Meta collected and utilized users’ precise location information without consent, despite user preferences set against such tracking by disabling Location Services on their devices. This practice was found to contradict Meta’s own terms of service, which promised not to collect data without user authorization.
After four years of rigorous litigation and thorough discovery processes, this settlement marks a significant achievement for the affected class members. The case highlights the importance of digital privacy and the need for tech companies to adhere strictly to their own policies regarding user data.
Settlement Details:
The approved settlement establishes a common fund of $37,500,000—providing considerable compensation for individuals impacted by Meta’s unauthorized location tracking. Class members will get a sizeable claim payment of approximately $30 per person. In recognition of their role in the litigation and on behalf of the class, the five settlement class representatives will each receive $2,000 service awards.
A Step Towards Greater Transparency and Accountability:
This settlement not only offers relief to the class members but also aims to foster greater awareness regarding data collection practices. It sends a clear message to companies about the significance of transparent handling of user data and the importance of obtaining explicit consent before collecting and monetizing sensitive information such as location data.
“This settlement represents a critical milestone in the ongoing effort to ensure companies that seek to collect customer data respect user privacy preferences and adhere strictly to laws protecting that data,” stated Sabita J. Soneji, co-lead counsel for the class. “We remain dedicated to holding companies accountable for their data collection, storage, and use practices, encouraging a higher standard of transparency and integrity for consumer-facing companies.”
What This Means for Consumers:
This case underscores the importance of understanding and managing privacy settings on social media platforms and other online services. Consumers are urged to stay informed about how their data is being used and to take proactive steps in safeguarding their personal information.
The case is Lundy, et al. v. Meta Platforms, Inc., Case No.: 3:18-CV-06793-JD in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.