Australian Facebook Users Secure Share of $50 Million Settlement in Cambridge Analytica Scandal
Australian Facebook users impacted by the Cambridge Analytica data breach are set to receive compensation as part of a $50 million settlement with Meta, Facebook’s parent company.
The settlement, agreed to on Tuesday, follows legal action by the Australian Information Commissioner, marking the largest privacy-related payout in Australia’s history.
Who Is Eligible?
Australians may be eligible if they:
Installed and signed into the This Is Your Digital Life app via Facebook, or
Were Facebook friends with someone who did, between November 2, 2013, and December 17, 2015.
Two-Tier Compensation System
Payments will be determined based on the level of impact:
Users who experienced general concern or embarrassment.
Users able to demonstrate loss or damage caused by the breach.
Scandal Background
The Cambridge Analytica data breach, linked to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, saw data from up to 87 million Facebook users globally harvested without consent. A whistleblower exposed the breach in 2018, revealing the data was collected via the This Is Your Digital Life app and sold to Cambridge Analytica for targeted voter campaigns.
While the exact number of Australians impacted remains unknown, those affected can now claim compensation.
Next Steps
The scheme will be managed by an independent third-party administrator appointed by Meta, to be announced in early 2025.
Details on how to apply for compensation will be made public in Q2 of 2025.
A Landmark Privacy Win
Australian Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd described the settlement as a significant milestone for privacy rights in Australia.
“This payment scheme demonstrates that entities operating in Australia must be transparent and accountable in how they handle personal information. Australians need confidence that their data is protected, wherever it goes.”
Meta Responds
Meta welcomed the resolution, stating:
“We’re pleased to close this chapter on allegations related to outdated practices. We remain committed to building services Australians trust, with privacy at the forefront.”
The settlement ends Federal Court proceedings that began in March 2020, delivering long-awaited accountability and compensation for affected Australians.
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