Thousands of Americans were pleasantly surprised this April when they noticed an unexpected deposit of exactly $40.67 in their digital wallets or bank accounts. While the transaction came labeled as “Facebook Internet Tracking Settlement”, the suddenness left many confused. Was this a scam? Was it a refund? Was it a mistake?
The good news: it’s real, and it’s a result of a legal battle settled years ago. In 2022, Meta Platforms, Facebook’s parent company, agreed to pay $90 million to settle a class action lawsuit that accused the social media giant of unlawfully tracking users’ internet activity. The tracking reportedly occurred between April 22, 2010, and September 26, 2011, even when users were logged out of their Facebook accounts.
Though Meta denied any wrongdoing, the company chose to settle to avoid the cost and publicity of a prolonged court battle. Following a lengthy legal process, approved claimants are now receiving their share, leading to the wave of recent payments. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of how it all unfolded and what you should do if you’re a recipient.
Facebook Internet Tracking Class Action
The roots of this lawsuit go back over a decade, when privacy activists raised concerns that Facebook was embedding “Like” buttons and tracking pixels on third-party websites. This allowed Facebook to gather browsing behavior from users even when they weren’t using the platform, without proper consent.
Legal experts argued this violated multiple privacy laws, including:
- The Federal Wiretap Act
- The Stored Communications Act
- Several state-level privacy regulations, particularly in California
Instead of admitting guilt, Meta agreed to a financial settlement of $90 million in 2022, which included legal fees, administrative costs, and compensation for affected users. The settlement officially took effect on February 24, 2025, triggering a 45-day countdown to the start of payments.
Where Does the $40.67 Come From?
Now that the money is rolling out, most recipients are getting a uniform payout of $40.67. This amount was calculated after deducting legal and administrative expenses and dividing the remainder equally among eligible claimants.
| Category | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Settlement Fund | $90 million |
| Legal and Admin Expenses | $20–25 million |
| Net Distribution Pool | $65–70 million |
| Number of Valid Claims | 1.5–1.6 million |
| Average Payment Per User | $40.67 |
The consistent amount reported by recipients suggests that either the number of claims was relatively predictable or the court opted for a fixed per-user payout. The majority of users began receiving these funds on or after April 10, 2025, aligning perfectly with the 45-day post-effective-date window defined in the settlement.
Who Was Eligible to Receive This Money?
Not everyone with a Facebook account received this money only those who filed valid claims by September 22, 2022, were eligible. The claims process was open for several months following the settlement announcement, and claimants had to confirm they used Facebook during the specific time frame and visited websites where Facebook plugins were active.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Data Collection Period | Apr 22, 2010 – Sep 26, 2011 |
| Settlement Announced | 2022 |
| Claim Deadline | Sep 22, 2022 |
| Effective Settlement Date | Feb 24, 2025 |
| Payments Initiated | Apr 10, 2025 |
If you missed the deadline, unfortunately, you’re not eligible to receive this particular settlement payment. But the growing number of tech lawsuits suggests more such opportunities could arise in the future.
How the Payments Were Made to Claimants
When submitting their claims, users were allowed to choose from a range of payment methods. The variety ensured accessibility across all age groups and tech proficiency levels. Most users reported receiving funds through PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle, while others opted for a virtual prepaid card or a paper check.
- PayPal (via email)
- Venmo (via mobile number or username)
- Zelle (linked to bank account)
- Virtual Prepaid Card (sent digitally)
- Paper Check (mailed)
If you selected one of the digital options, your funds may have arrived instantly or within a few days. Those who choose mailed checks might experience a slight delay depending on postal services and address accuracy.
What If You Didn’t Get the Payment?
If you believe you filed a valid claim but haven’t received your payment, here’s what you can do:
- Check spam/junk folders for virtual card emails.
- Search your email for keywords like “Facebook Settlement” or “Kroll Settlement Administrator.”
- Review your chosen payment method (PayPal/Venmo/Zelle).
- Visit the settlement website for official updates or contact information.
- Contact customer service listed on the official site to verify claim status.
It’s worth noting that a small number of claims may require manual review or reprocessing due to incorrect banking or contact details.
What This Means for Future Digital Privacy Cases
The Facebook Internet Tracking Settlement is a landmark case in the ongoing struggle between tech giants and user privacy advocates. While the $40.67 payment may seem modest, the lawsuit sends a clear message: companies must be transparent and ethical in how they handle user data.
This is not Facebook’s only brush with privacy litigation. In 2020, the company paid $650 million to settle a lawsuit related to facial recognition in Illinois, where some users received over $300. Legal experts believe these settlements signal a shift in legal accountability for tech companies, encouraging consumers to monitor how their data is used.
Keep Track of Your Digital Rights
If you’ve received $40.67 from Facebook recently, know that you’re part of a major milestone in consumer privacy law. It’s not just about the money—it’s about holding powerful platforms accountable. While the claim deadline has passed for this case, other lawsuits are still unfolding.
It’s more important than ever for internet users to stay informed, participate in class actions when eligible, and advocate for stronger data protection laws. Your digital footprint has value don’t let it be exploited without your knowledge.