Facebook to Pay Users $20 Million for Sharing Personal Data in Ads

Facebook to Pay Users $20 Million for Sharing Personal Data in Ads: The ads, which were posted on both the right-hand side of the site and in news feeds, used member names, pictures and details about the brands and interests they Like on the site. Members whose details appeared in the ads will now receive $15 each.

The five people who led the lawsuit claimed to represent all user and said the company violated their privacy by highlighting personal data without permission.

“We are pleased that the settlement has received final approval,” a Facebook spokesperson told Mashable in a statement.

The company did not comment on when users would receive their payout.

Although the lawsuit reached a settlement back in early 2012 — and again later in the year — both were rejected. According to a BBC report, the judge acknowledged the payout was small for users. It was not proven that Facebook “undisputedly violated the law” and that the plaintiffs could not show they were “harmed in any meaningful way,” per the report.

Now, Facebook is required to update its Statement of Rights so users can retain more control over their personal data.