Meta has reached a significant settlement agreement, totaling $50 million, with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in response to the notorious 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal. This settlement is set to compensate Australians whose Facebook data was improperly accessed and used for targeted political advertising.
According to a statement released by the OAIC, personal data from some Australian Facebook users was unlawfully shared with the app known as “This is Your Digital Life,” which constituted a violation of the Privacy Act 1988. This settlement arrangement has led to the withdrawal of civil penalty proceedings that had been in process since February 2024.
To manage the distribution of compensation, Meta will create a payment scheme that will be managed by an independent third-party administrator. The announcement of this mediator is anticipated early next year. To be eligible for the payout, individuals must meet the following criteria: they must have had a Facebook account between November 2, 2013, and December 17, 2015; have been in Australia for more than 30 days during that timeframe; and have either installed the “This is Your Digital Life” app or been friends on Facebook with someone who did.
The compensation structure includes two tiers. The first tier is a base payment for those who have experienced general discomfort or embarrassment due to the breach. The second tier caters to individuals who can demonstrate specific loss or damage, entitling them to a higher expenditure.
Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd commented on the settlement, noting its significance as the largest dedicated effort to address privacy concerns in Australia. She expressed that the resolution not only provides potential financial redress for affected Australians through Meta’s compensation program but also concludes a protracted legal process. This settlement marks an important milestone in addressing the privacy issues stemming from the Cambridge Analytica affair.
