We really need a better system for knowing the authenticity of these settlement web sites.<p>Right now we get some special web site that's like FooCompanyBarIssueSettlement.com, which is descriptive, but how do we know it's not some phishing site?<p>The site itself always says it's the official site and gives a case number, but there's nothing stopping a fake site from doing those things.<p>Right now we have to rely on it being reported in the media[1]. That's better than nothing, but why can't the courts (that approve the settlement) have a web site that links to these? Or, as a condition of the settlement, require the company (Facebook in this case) to link to it?<p>I know lawyers are good at law, not IT security, and I realize this is how it's typically done, but it's still a very poor practice, and it needs to change.<p>(In this particular case, it's also ironic because the case is about poor practices regarding data security!)<p>---<p>[1] And this one has been, including very large news outlets, so I feel pretty confident it's legitimate.
FB users in USA: ~250M, if half of them end up claiming then its $6/person (before expenses, lawyer fees etc.)<p>In these kind of cases, only lawyers make a windfall.
The site to submit claims ( <a href="https://www.facebookuserprivacysettlement.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebookuserprivacysettlement.com/</a> ) is showing "connect.facebook.net" being blocked by Privacy Badger in my browser.<p>I guess I shouldn't be surprised?
This seems like an elaborate scam. I never eliminated my facebook account, but I definitely stopped using them. I think the Cambridge Analytica abuse is the least of their privacy abuses.
Can anybody explain to me why stealing my data and illegally getting paid for sharing it with third parties means they only have to pay me $6?<p>Or why fines never include at least the profit (let alone income) from illegal activities PLUS a fine?
I have submitted my data, but while doing so, I wondered if I trust these guys any more with the data. This ends up as a CSV on some lawyer's laptop Downloads folder eventually.
725M is a rounding error. This should be every penny of revenue generated on the illegal use of data, regardless of their expense.<p>You don't get to rob a bank and settle for less than you took.
> You are included in this Settlement as a Settlement Class Member if you were a Facebook user in the United States between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, inclusive.<p>If I don’t live in USA, but used Facebook on US soil, am I eligible?<p>Sounds like yes?<p>The form itself says:<p>> Did you reside in the United States at any time between May 24, 2007 and December 22, 2022, inclusive?<p>If I stayed a night, that’s “any time”???
The settlement form tells me I can find my username at: "Account” > “Settings and Privacy” > “General Account Settings” > “Username.”<p>But I don't see something called "General Account Settings" after I go to "Account > "Settings and Privacy".<p>I looked around, and I couldn't find my username anywhere.
So, if I apply for this, Facebook will know my real name and address. I have not used it for years. But I think it is worth the $5 USD I will get to keep that information out of Facebook's hand.
Keeps getting<p>"System Currently Unavailable
We apologize for the inconvenience, but the system is currently unavailable. Please try again later. Thank you."
I want my two dollars!<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdF_Vo4B6Ms">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdF_Vo4B6Ms</a>
>the most famous being Cambridge Analytica, a consulting firm that supported Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.<p>Did this read strange to anyone else? Did Trump really break people’s brains like this?