Over the holidays, many Canadians received an unexpected e-transfer of $36.29 from MNP, a Canadian accounting firm. While a holiday gift would be a pleasant surprise, this particular payment is tied to a class action lawsuit settlement involving Facebook and its parent company Meta.
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The settlement addresses allegations that Facebook used users’ images without their consent for “Sponsored Stories” to advertise products, leading to a class action against the social media giant. This article will explain how the settlement unfolded and why MNP has been tasked with distributing payments.
The Facebook Class Action Lawsuit and Settlement
The class action lawsuit against Facebook (now under Meta) was based on accusations that the company misused users’ images for advertising purposes without their knowledge or consent. The lawsuit targeted the practice of using people’s photos in “Sponsored Stories,” a feature that displayed advertisements to other users by using their images in the promotion.
In the end, Facebook (Meta) reached a $51 million settlement to resolve the claims. The money is being distributed to eligible individuals who were Facebook users residing in specific provinces between January 1, 2011, and May 30, 2014. The provinces involved in the settlement are:
- British Columbia
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Anyone who met the criteria and joined the class action before the deadline is entitled to compensation, and the settlement is now being processed by MNP.
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What is the $36.29 Payment?
For eligible individuals, MNP, which is handling the distribution of the settlement funds, has been sending out payments of $36.29. This amount is based on the number of valid claims submitted and the final settlement value. The payment is a result of the class action’s settlement, and it is being disbursed to roughly 875,000 eligible class members.
If you are one of the Canadians who received the $36.29 e-transfer, it’s because you were a part of the class and met the criteria specified in the lawsuit.
Facebook Class Action Settlement (Canada) – Who is Eligible & How to Claim?
Missed the Payment? Here’s What Might Have Happened
MNP is still processing payments from the class action settlement, so some individuals may have missed out on the initial transfer. If you were expecting a payment but did not receive it, there are a few things to consider:
- Wrong Email Address: If you entered your email address incorrectly when signing up for the class action, your payment may have been sent to someone else. MNP suggests verifying that the name on the payment matches your name. A typo in your email address may have caused the payment to be sent to a valid but incorrect email account.
- Payments Still Pending: If you haven’t received your payment yet, MNP is still processing claims, so it’s possible that your payment is still on the way.
MNP also asked anyone who received a payment in error to refrain from depositing it. If you’re not part of the class eligible for the payment, you shouldn’t keep the funds.
Details on Returning Payments Made in Error
MNP did not clarify how recipients of erroneous payments should handle the situation, particularly if they have auto-deposit enabled. While the accounting firm has not provided specific instructions on returning the payment, recipients are asked not to deposit any funds they were not entitled to.
If you received an incorrect payment, it’s recommended that you reach out to MNP directly to resolve the issue.
How to Ensure You’re in the Clear
If you’re a Canadian who was part of the class and are wondering about the status of your payment, here are a few key points:
- Ensure your email address was entered correctly when you signed up for the class action.
- Verify the name on the e-transfer to make sure it matches your own.
- If you received a payment by mistake, do not deposit it, and reach out to MNP for further guidance.
Final Thoughts
The $36.29 payment from MNP has come as a surprise to thousands of Canadians, but it is the result of a class action settlement against Meta for its improper use of Facebook users’ images. If you haven’t received your payment yet, it may still be coming. Just be sure to check the details of the transaction, especially the email address associated with the payment.
For those who mistakenly received the payment, remember to return the funds and ensure you are only receiving compensation that you are entitled to as part of the settlement.
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