Millions of Facebook users in the United States may be eligible for payments under a $12.5 million class-action settlement involving AARP and Facebook’s parent company, Meta Platforms Inc. This payout is connected to alleged data-sharing violations related to videos watched on AARP.org while users were logged into Facebook.
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Why the Settlement Was Filed
The lawsuit, Markels et al. v. AARP, Case No. 4:22-cv-05499-YGR, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It accused AARP of sharing users’ video-viewing data from its website with Facebook without their permission, violating the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). AARP denied the allegations but agreed to the settlement to avoid further legal action.
Who Qualifies for the Payout
To be eligible for compensation under the settlement, individuals must meet all of the following requirements:
- Live in the United States.
- Have watched or requested video content from AARP.org between September 27, 2020, and September 12, 2025.
- Have had an active Facebook account at the time of viewing.
- Have been a registered user or member of AARP.org.
Simply having a Facebook account is not enough; users must have interacted with AARP’s video content while logged in.
Expected Payment Amounts
The total settlement amount of $12.5 million will be divided among all eligible claimants after deducting legal and administrative expenses. Payments will depend on the number of valid claims submitted.
| Estimated Payout Range | Eligibility Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $47-$100 | Many claims filed | Standard payout |
| $150-$237 | Fewer claims filed | Maximum payout |
Final payments are expected after the court grants approval at the hearing scheduled for February 10, 2026.
How to File Your Claim
Claim submissions are open until December 31, 2025. Eligible users can file online by following these steps:
- Visit the official settlement website listed on ClassAction.org, TopClassActions.com, or ClaimDepot.com.
- Confirm the page begins with “https” and references the AARP Facebook settlement.
- Provide your name, email address, and Facebook profile link.
- Certify that the information provided is true under penalty of perjury.
- Submit your claim before the deadline and wait for court approval.
Important Details to Remember
- Deadline to Apply: December 31, 2025.
- Proof Needed: Facebook profile link and confirmation of AARP.org video activity.
- Court Approval Hearing: February 10, 2026.
- Payment Distribution: Expected several weeks after court approval.
- Caution: Always use official claim portals and avoid suspicious third-party links.
Why This Settlement Matters
This settlement highlights growing awareness of online privacy and data protection. It reinforces that users’ digital activities, such as viewing videos, are protected under federal law. For many, this case serves as a reminder that organizations must be transparent about how user data is collected and shared.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the total amount of the settlement?
The total settlement fund is valued at $12.5 million, to be distributed among eligible claimants.
2. Who is eligible to receive payment?
U.S. users who watched videos on AARP.org between September 2020 and September 2025 while logged into Facebook qualify.
3. How much money can I expect to receive?
Payouts are estimated between $47 and $237, depending on the number of valid claims.
4. What is the deadline to submit my claim?
All claims must be filed online by December 31, 2025.
5. When will payments be distributed?
Payments are expected to be issued a few weeks after final court approval in February 2026.
