Meta’s $9 million settlement in class-action case submitted to Quebec judge for approval
In a Quebec courtroom, a $9-million settlement has been presented for approval in a class-action lawsuit against Meta, Facebook’s parent company. The Superior Court Justice, Dominique Poulin, will need to determine whether to accept the terms of the settlement. The case revolves around allegations that Facebook violated users’ privacy rights by sharing personal and private information with third parties. Despite the settlement, Meta has not admitted any liability in this matter.
The plaintiffs in the class action did not seek compensatory damages in the case that was authorized by the courts in 2021. As a result, the class members will not receive any monetary compensation. Instead, the $9 million settlement, after deducting lawyers’ fees, will be evenly distributed among various Quebec universities. These funds will be used to support research and educational activities that focus on promoting and safeguarding privacy rights.
The terms of the settlement were made public last year, but now it is up to Justice Dominique Poulin to decide whether to approve the agreement. The case against Meta, which owns Facebook, stems from allegations that the company breached users’ privacy by sharing their personal information with outside parties. Despite agreeing to the settlement, Meta has not admitted any wrongdoing in the matter.
The $9 million settlement, which does not include compensatory damages for the class members, will be divided among Quebec universities after legal fees. This allocation aims to support research and educational initiatives focused on protecting and advocating for privacy rights. This case highlights the importance of safeguarding personal data and ensuring that companies are held accountable for mishandling sensitive information.
The outcome of this class-action lawsuit against Meta serves as a reminder of the significance of privacy rights in the digital age. It underscores the need for companies to prioritize user privacy and security in their operations. By allocating settlement funds to support research and education on privacy rights, the Quebec universities will play a crucial role in advancing the protection of personal information in the digital landscape. Justice Poulin’s decision on whether to approve the $9-million settlement will influence the future of privacy rights and set a precedent for holding tech companies accountable for privacy violations.
