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Thiel v. Meta Platforms Inc.

The parties have agreed to a settlement providing for the payment of $9,000,000 by Meta to fund research and teaching activities that promote and protect privacy rights in Quebec. Given the nature of the class action and the fact that no compensatory damages were sought, no indemnity will be paid to class members.

Proactio was appointed administrator of the email and SMS/text messaging campaign. We have therefore sent an email via recoursFacebook@proactio.ca and a text message via our short code 858776 to the class members identified by Meta Platforms Inc.

The parties will present the settlement agreement to the Montreal Superior Court on February 11, 2025.

Who are the class members

  • You have or had a Facebook account between July 27, 2012, and today.

What Does the Settlement Agreement Provide?

Although Meta Platforms, Inc. does not admit liability, it has agreed to settle the class action for $9,000,000.

Given the nature of the class action and the fact that no compensatory damages were sought, no indemnity will be paid to class members.

Instead, the $9,000,000 will be used to fund research and teaching activities that promote and protect privacy rights in Quebec’s public universities. These funds will be managed independently and without influence from either party.

After deduction of the plaintiff’s legal fees, administration fees, and any amount owed to the Fonds d’aide aux actions collectives, the settlement amount will be paid in equal shares to the following academic institutions:

  • Université du Québec à Montréal;
  • Concordia University;
  • Université Laval.

The Court may designate a different or additional academic institution to receive a share.

Superior Court Approval of Settlement Agreement Required

To be valid and final, the Settlement Agreement must be approved by the Court.

Class counsel have filed a formal Application for the Approval of the Settlement Agreement. You can view this application on the Trudel Johnston & Lespérance website.

That application will be heard at the Superior Court of Montreal, located at 1, rue Notre-Dame Est, Montreal, province of Quebec, H2Y 1B6, in room 17.09 on February 11, 2025, at 9:15 a.m.

If the Court changes the date and time of the hearing, an update will be posted on the website of Trudel Johnston & Lespérance.

You are not required to attend this hearing. It is possible to attend the hearing virtually via the following link: Join the Microsoft Teams Meeting.

 

Opt out, Objections or Comments on the Settlement Agreement

If you have not opted out by February 7, 2025, you are bound by the Settlement Agreement and any judgment rendered in this class action. Only a formal exclusion will ensure that you are not bound by the settlement agreement and any judgments rendered in the class action.

Class members had the right to object to and comment on the Settlement Agreement. Agreement up to and including February 7, 2025. You will remain a Class Member even if you objected to the Settlement Agreement.

You are not required to attend or appear at the approval hearing even if you have sent an objection or comments.

Trudel Johnston & Lespérance sent Meta Platforms, Inc. and the Court a copy of all objections and comments received.

For any questions, please contact the lawyers of Trudel Johnston & Lespérance:

Att. Thiel c. Meta Platforms
Trudel Johnston & Lespérance
750, Côte de la Place d’Armes, bureau 90
Montréal (Québec) H2Y 2X8
Fax : 514-871-8800
info@tjl.quebec

 

Class Counsel Fees

Class Counsel will seek the Court’s approval of a fee representing 25% of the global settlement amount paid by Meta Platforms, Inc., which represents $2,250,000, plus disbursements and applicable taxes, pursuant to the agreement between class counsel and the Representative.

The Court is responsible for independently approving class counsel’s fees and ensuring that they are fair and reasonable.

The lawyers at Trudel Johnston & Lespérance remain available to answer any questions you may have.