If you’re one of the millions of Aussies who used Facebook in the early 2010s, you might be in for a nice surprise.
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, has agreed to a historic $50 million settlement with the Australian Information Commissioner.
This payout is open to users affected by the infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal, which rocked the world nearly a decade ago.
What Was the Cambridge Analytica Scandal?
In the 2010s, British consulting firm Cambridge Analytica harvested personal data from tens of millions of Facebook users. They then used this data for political advertising, including Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Yeah, it was a big deal.
How Did It Happen?
Cambridge Analytica collected Facebook users’ data through a third-party quiz app called “This Is Your Digital Life.” The app built psychological profiles on users and collected data from their Facebook friends through Facebook’s Open Graph platform. Only 53 people in Australia installed the app, but the information commissioner estimates that an additional 311,074 Facebook users could have had their information compromised because they were friends with someone who installed the app.
Who’s Eligible for the Payout?
The $50 million payment program is open to Aussies who:
- Had a Facebook account between November 2, 2013, and December 17, 2015
- Were present in Australia for more than 30 days during that period
- Either installed the This Is Your Digital Life app or were Facebook friends with someone who installed the app
You can check your eligibility on Facebook’s help page.
How Much Can I Get?
The exact amount of the payout is still unknown, but it’ll be divided into two tiers. The first tier is a base payment for people who experienced “generalized concern or embarrassment” because of the scandal. The second tier is a specific payment, which will likely be higher, for people who can prove they suffered loss or damage.
What’s Next?
The information commissioner says individuals will likely be able to start applying for the payment in the second quarter of 2025. Meta will appoint an independent third-party administration to run the payment scheme, which will be announced early next year. Meta is required to make a “reasonable best effort” to notify individuals who are potentially impacted.
This settlement is a big win for Aussie Facebook users, and it marks a significant step towards addressing privacy concerns. So, if you think you might be eligible, keep an eye out for more information on how to apply for the payout.