Facebook & AARP– In the US, a big data privacy case has been making headlines. The class action settlement of $12.5 million (around ₹104 crore) between AARP and Meta Platforms Inc. the parent company of Facebook, has granted users relief who had their video viewing information disclosed without permission. In case you were watching videos on the AARP.org site during the time your Facebook account was active, you might qualify for a payout too.
Understand the AARP–Facebook Privacy Lawsuit
The lawsuit, Markels et al. v. AARP, Case No. 4:22-cv-05499-YGR, was one of the cases filed in the U.S. The District Court for the Northern District of California was the venue for the lawsuit. By sharing information of users who viewed videos on its site with Facebook, AARP allegedly breached the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) through its video service. AARP’s information was transferred to Meta through the usage of tracking tools that unknowingly monitored users’ video activity.
AARP did not accept the allegations but consented to a $12.5 million settlement to avoid a contentious legal dispute. This settlement is aimed at reimbursing those whose privacy was impacted.
Who can claim compensation?
The settlement will solely be a perk for those individuals who satisfy certain requirements. The timeframe for determining eligibility is from September 27, 2020, to September 12, 2025. In this period, users that had an active Facebook account at the time and either viewed or requested a video from AARP.org will be able to submit a claim.
The key eligibility requirements are:
- The individual must reside in the United States.
- They must have accessed or viewed the video content on AARP.org within the specified timeframe.
- Their Facebook account must be active at the time.
- They must be a registered member of AARP.org.
Merely having a Facebook profile is not enough—the user must have actually viewed the video on AARP.org while logged into their Facebook account.
How much compensation can be received?
The total amount of money allocated to this settlement fund is $12.5 million. The amount that is left after the payment of attorneys’ fees and administrative expenses will be shared among all claimants who are eligible.
According to the calculations, every claimant might get a check of between $47 and $237. However, this will vary depending on the number of valid claims filed.
| Estimated Payout Amount | Claim Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| $47–$100 | More Claims Filed | Normal Payout Range |
| $150–$237 | Fewer Claims Filed | Maximum Payout Range |
Final payments will only be made if the court approves the settlement, a hearing for which is scheduled for February 10, 2026.
How to File a Claim (Claim Filing Process)
Applying for compensation is simple, but it’s essential to fill in all the details correctly.
1. Visit the Official Website
You have the option to submit your claim via the internet. Utilize the recognized claims portals like ClassAction.org, TopClassActions.com, or ClaimDepot.com. Make sure that the website link starts with “https” and unambiguously mentions “AARP Facebook Settlement.”
2. Enter Your Personal Information
Fill in your name, email, and Facebook account information. Also confirm that you watched the video on AARP.org while logged into Facebook.
3. Submit Your Facebook Profile Link
Your profile link will help verify that your Facebook account was active at the time.
4. Verify Accuracy
You must certify that all details provided are correct. Note that providing false or inaccurate information may result in the claim being rejected or even legal action.
5. Wait for Final Approval
The final approval hearing will be held on February 10, 2026. Payments to eligible users will be disbursed within a few months of approval.
What will be the next steps?
Once the claim filing deadline of December 31, 2025 is met, the court will hold a final hearing in February 2026. If there are no appeals or delays in this process, checks or digital payments will be sent to eligible claimants within a few weeks.
Each claimant will be notified of their application status and payment details via email.
Important Dates and Instructions
- Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
- Required Proof: Facebook profile link and confirmation of video activity on AARP.org
- Final Hearing: February 10, 2026
- Payment Due Date: A few weeks after court approval
- Official Portal: Use only genuine websites that end in “.com” or “.org.” Avoid clicking on social media links or emails.
Why this settlement is important
The agreement that has been reached between AARP and Meta highlights the issue of data security as one of the most important aspects of the relationship between companies and their customers. It is an indisputable fact that in the current digital era, where almost every online platform collects user data, such incidents prove that privacy rights are legal rather than mere assertions.
The lawsuit indicates that the top corporations might also misappropriate the personal data of their customers. Legal protections, such as the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), aim at empowering the digital security of the regular consumer, while verdicts of this nature foster the belief among the ordinary public that their privacy is actually safeguarded.
Conclusion: Both a lesson and an opportunity
Not only does this $12.5 million agreement between AARP and Facebook provide a breathing space for the affected individuals, but it also reminds us that the digital world is not a place where privacy is guaranteed anymore.
If you fall into the category of a US resident, an AARP.org member, and a Facebook user, this might be a good chance for you. Just be sure to submit your application on time and with correct information.
It is the user’s rights that are declared the top priority by this ruling, thus companies are going to have to answer for their data use.
In brief: The AARP and Facebook $12.5 million settlement is indeed authentic. US users who qualify will get a maximum amount of $237, as long as they file their claims within the designated period and fulfill all requirements. The cut-off date is December 31, 2025, and the court will authorize it on February 10, 2026.
FAQs
Q1. What is the AARP–Facebook settlement about?
It’s a $12.5 million class-action settlement resolving claims that AARP shared users’ video-viewing data from AARP.org with Facebook without proper consent.
Q2. Who is eligible to file a claim?
It’s a $12.5 million class-action settlement resolving claims that AARP shared users’ video-viewing data from AARP.org with Facebook without proper consent.
Q3. How much money can I receive?
Payments are estimated between $47 and $237 per person, depending on the number of valid claims submitted.
Q4. What is the claim filing deadline?
The deadline to file a claim online is December 31, 2025.
Q5. When will payments be issued?
Payments will be distributed a few weeks after the final court approval hearing on February 10, 2026.