Up to $237 is available in a new privacy settlement—here’s who qualifies

If you’ve ever watched a video on a familiar website while logged into Facebook, there’s a new reason to pay attention. A recent legal case involving one of America’s best-known organizations has raised questions about how user information is shared online—and what that could mean for your privacy. What started as a quiet lawsuit has now turned into a nationwide settlement, and it might just include you.

The organization in question is AARP—a nonprofit focused on Americans over 50—which has agreed to pay $12.5 million to resolve claims it violated the federal Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by sharing user information with Facebook.

Eligible members could receive anywhere from $47 to $237 each, depending on how many people file claims.

The best part? You don’t need receipts, screenshots, or complicated paperwork—just proof that you had a Facebook account during the right time period.

What AARP allegedly did wrong

This isn't your typical data breach story.

Instead, it involves something called the Meta Pixel—a small piece of code that websites use to track visitor behavior for advertising purposes, potentially for ad targeting on Facebook.

Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit claim AARP shared user information with Facebook through the Meta Pixel tool.

This information allegedly included user identities and video-viewing activity.

Think of it this way: when you watched videos on AARP.org, the organization was allegedly telling Facebook what you were watching and who you were, without getting your explicit permission first.

This violates federal privacy laws designed specifically to protect what videos people watch—laws that date back to 1988 when a Supreme Court nominee's video rental history was leaked.

Also read: Panera Bread settlement: How customers can claim compensation before November deadline

Who qualifies and how much you could get

The settlement has very specific requirements, but if you meet them, you're in luck.

The AARP settlement benefits individuals who requested or obtained video content on AARP.org between September 27, 2020, and September 12, 2025, while they had a Facebook account and were an AARP member or registered user of AARP.org.

You need to meet all these criteria:

• You watched or requested video content on AARP.org during the specified time period.

• You had an active Facebook account when you watched those videos.

• You were either an AARP member or a registered user of AARP.org.

• You were physically located in the United States when watching the videos.

The payout depends on how many people file claims.

According to the settlement website, payments could be between $47 and $237.

If fewer people claim their money, individual payments will be higher.

Also read: Are you eligible for a $3,850 payout in the latest car settlement? November deadline approaching!

How to claim your share

Here's the straightforward process to get your money.

Step 1: Gather your information.

All claimants must provide the link to their Facebook profile page so the settlement administrator can verify eligibility.

Go to Facebook, click on your profile picture, then copy the web address (URL) from your browser's address bar.

Step 2: File your claim.

You can submit your claim online at AARPSettlement.com or mail in a paper form.

The online process is faster and easier for most people.

Step 3: Wait for verification.

The settlement administrator will verify your eligibility using your Facebook profile information.

You won't need to provide additional documentation.

If you don’t file a claim, you won’t receive any payment under the settlement terms.

Those who wish to opt out must do so by the same December 31, 2025 deadline.

Also read: Deadline approaching: AT&T customers have weeks left to claim up to $7,500 from the data breach settlement

Why this settlement matters for your digital privacy

This case highlights an important principle: your online viewing habits have value, and companies shouldn't share that information without your explicit consent.

The Video Privacy Protection Act was created to protect exactly this type of personal information.

It's worth noting that 96% of settlement funds go unclaimed.

This means most people who are entitled to money never actually get it, often because they don't know about the settlement or think the process is too complicated.

Don't let your share go unclaimed.

Also read: AT&T customers have two months to claim part of a $177 million data breach settlement

Timeline and what to expect

Mark these important dates on your calendar.

• December 31, 2025: Deadline to submit a valid claim form.

• February 10, 2026: Final approval hearing for the AARP settlement is scheduled.

• After final approval: Payments will be distributed, assuming no appeals delay the process.

Payments will come as checks mailed to the address you provide on your claim form.

The settlement administrator will handle all the processing and distribution once the court gives final approval.

Payments could take longer if appeals are filed or court review extends beyond February 2026.

Also read: Are you owed money? Wells Fargo to send out checks up to $5,000 after major settlement

Don't let skepticism cost you money

Some people hesitate to file settlement claims, worried about scams or thinking the amounts are too small to bother with.

This is a legitimate court-supervised settlement with a real deadline and real money waiting to be distributed.

The settlement administrator will only use your Facebook profile to verify you meet the eligibility requirements.

They're not asking for passwords, Social Security numbers, or banking information to file the initial claim.

Remember, this settlement exists because a court determined that your privacy was potentially violated.

While AARP has not admitted wrongdoing, they've agreed to compensate affected users.

Your video-watching habits are your business, and when companies share that information improperly, there should be consequences.

The December deadline is firm, and with the potential for payments up to $237, it's worth the few minutes it takes to file a claim.

After all, if companies are going to profit from your personal information, shouldn't you get a piece of that value?

Read next:

• AT&T customers could claim $5,000 before this November deadline—are you eligible?
• You could be owed $970 from a $12M gas station settlement—check if you qualify
• A major data breach settlement could put up to $2,000 in your pocket—here’s how to file a claim

Key Takeaways

• AARP has agreed to a $12.5 million settlement following claims that it shared members’ video-viewing data with Facebook through Meta Pixel tracking, potentially violating federal privacy laws.
• Eligible users who watched or requested videos on AARP.org between September 27, 2020, and September 12, 2025, while logged into Facebook, can file a claim worth an estimated $47–$237.
• To qualify, claimants must provide a link to their Facebook profile when submitting their claim at AARPSettlement.com by December 31, 2025; payments will be issued after court approval in February 2026.
• While AARP denies wrongdoing, the case underscores how personal data—like online viewing habits—can be used for targeted advertising, and why protecting digital privacy remains essential.

Have you watched videos on AARP's website while logged into Facebook? Share your experience with settlement claims—have you successfully received money from other class action settlements, or is this your first time navigating the process?