Awareness only · official claim below
What this claim is about
Facebook is free to use — but the claim, brought by competition economist Dr Liza Lovdahl Gormsen on behalf of UK users, argues that people paid for it with their data. It says Meta used its dominant position to require users to hand over their personal information — not only what they did on Facebook, but their activity across other apps and websites (“off-Facebook” data) — and made billions from it through targeted advertising, without giving users fair value in return.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal certified the claim in 2024, and Meta’s attempts to appeal the certification and to strip out the “user damages” remedy have failed — so it is heading to a full trial, listed for 2028. Nothing has been decided on the facts, and Meta denies wrongdoing.
This is an opt-out claim covering more than 46 million UK Facebook users, seeking £2.1 billion. Eligible people are included automatically and pay nothing. To actually receive any money if the claim succeeds, you’ll likely need to register your details on the official site — it explains how, and how to opt out if you’d rather not take part. You don’t need a claims company, and LegalClaimPro doesn’t collect your details here. Nothing here is legal or financial advice.
How this kind of claim works
Group claims take different forms. Here’s the shape of this one, in plain terms.
- Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT)
- A specialist court that hears large consumer claims about companies breaking competition law.
- Abuse of a dominant position
- Using market power unfairly. Here, the claim is that Facebook’s dominance let it set unfair terms — taking users’ data without fair value in return.
- “Off-Facebook” data
- Information about what you do on other apps and websites, which the claim says Meta collected and linked to your profile.
- Opt-out claim
- If you’re eligible you’re included automatically — you pay nothing. To actually receive any money if the claim wins, you may need to register on the official site later.
What the claim argues
Data as the price
The claim says people effectively “paid” for Facebook with their personal data, on terms they couldn’t really refuse.
Tracked off Facebook too
It argues Meta gathered data on users’ activity across other apps and websites, not just on Facebook itself.
Billions in ad revenue
It says Meta monetised that data through targeted advertising without giving users fair value in return.
These are allegations; Quinn Emanuel, for class representative Dr Liza Lovdahl Gormsen runs the claim, and the court has not ruled.
Who’s covered?
- You had a Facebook account and used it in the UK at some point between 15 February 2016 and 6 October 2023
- It covers the data Meta collected about you — both on Facebook and from your activity on other apps and websites — and used to target ads
- It’s an opt-out claim, so eligible people are included automatically — nothing to pay; to receive any money if the claim succeeds, you may later need to register on the official site
How it’s unfolded
- 2016–2023 The period the claim covers, for people who used Facebook in the UK.
- February 2022 Dr Liza Lovdahl Gormsen files the claim at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
- February 2024 After an earlier revision to the economic case, the Tribunal certifies the claim to proceed.
- 2024–2026 Meta’s attempts to appeal the certification, and to remove the “user damages” remedy, are refused.
- October 2028 The full trial is listed to begin.
Common questions
Do I need to sign up?
You’re included automatically, as it’s an opt-out claim. But to actually receive any money if the claim succeeds, you’ll likely need to register your details on the official site — and you can opt out there too.
Am I covered?
Broadly, if you had and used a Facebook account in the UK between 15 February 2016 and 6 October 2023.
Will I definitely get money?
No — nothing is decided. The claim goes to trial in 2028 and Meta denies the allegations. Individual amounts haven’t been set; be wary of anyone promising a fixed sum.
Does it cost anything?
No. The claim is funded, so there’s nothing to pay and no fee taken from you. Any compensation would come from Meta.
Who’s running it?
The claim is brought by Dr Liza Lovdahl Gormsen with the law firm Quinn Emanuel. LegalClaimPro isn’t involved in running it — we’re raising awareness and we don’t collect your details here.
Join the official claim
This claim is run by Quinn Emanuel, for class representative Dr Liza Lovdahl Gormsen. LegalClaimPro is featuring it to raise awareness — we don’t run the claim and we don’t collect your details here. To take part, register on the official claim site, where you’ll see who’s behind it and their terms before you join.
The official site opens in a new tab. Always check who runs a claim and their terms before sharing your details.