In a groundbreaking move that has caught the attention of Australians nationwide, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has agreed to a colossal $50 million settlement over the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal. This decision comes as a result of a long-standing legal tussle with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), which began in earnest in March 2020.
The dispute centred around allegations that the personal information of Australian Facebook users was improperly disclosed to the ‘This is Your Digital Life’ app, a move that the OAIC claimed violated the 1988 Privacy Act. The data was purportedly at risk of being passed on to Cambridge Analytica, a data analytics firm that came under fire for its role in political profiling and targeting voters with personalised political ads. The company has since ceased operations, shutting down in 2018.
The settlement, which Meta has entered into without admitting any wrongdoing, marks the end of this civil dispute with the OAIC. As part of an enforceable undertaking, Meta will establish a payment scheme to compensate affected Australians, managed by an independent third-party administrator.
This payment scheme is divided into two tiers. The first tier allows individuals to claim a base payment if they experienced ‘generalised concern or embarrassment’ due to the scandal. The second tier is designed for those who can prove they suffered tangible losses or damages, with these specific payments expected to be higher than the base amount.
Eligibility for the scheme is quite broad. It’s open to users who had a Facebook account between November 2, 2013, and December 17, 2025, and were present in Australia for more than 30 days during that period. Additionally, it includes those who either downloaded the ‘This is Your Digital Life’ app or were friends with someone who did.
Applications for payments are anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2025, according to the OAIC. Australian Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd emphasised the significance of the settlement, stating that it sends a clear message that all entities in Australia, including global corporations, must handle personal information transparently and accountably, in line with Australian privacy law.
Meta is also tasked with making ‘reasonable best efforts’ to notify those potentially impacted by the breach. A spokesperson for Meta expressed that settling was in the best interest of the company’s community and shareholders, highlighting that the allegations pertained to practices that are no longer relevant to Meta’s current operations.
As Meta looks to turn a new page, focusing on building services with privacy at the forefront, many Australians are left wondering if they are eligible for a slice of the $50 million pie. If you’re among those who had a Facebook account during the specified period and meet the residency requirements, you might just be in line for compensation.
What are your thoughts on Meta’s $50 million settlement? Do you think you’re eligible for the payout, or how do you feel about the broader implications for privacy and data protection? We’d love to hear your perspective—share your comments below and join the conversation!
