Facebook Data Breach EXPOSED: Is Your Info Leaked? Find Now!

Imagine waking up one day to find out that your personal details, name, phone number, email and even sensitive messages have been leaked online. Sounds scary, right? Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened to millions of users due to Facebook data breaches over the years.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about data breach Facebook, how they happened, what data was exposed and whether users are eligible for data breach Facebook compensation. If you are wondering about data breach settlements, legal actions or how to protect yourself from future leaks, keep reading.

Your Quick Guide To The Facebook Data Breach

➤ Timeline Of Facebook’s Data Leaks

➤ What Went Down In The Facebook Data Breach?

➤ Is Your Facebook Data Exposed? Here’s How To Check

➤ Facebook Data Breach Payouts & Settlements

➤ How Did Facebook Respond To The Data Hack?

➤ What To Do If Your Facebook Info Got Leaked

What Is A Data Breach?

A data breach happens when unauthorized individuals gain access to private information, often due to security vulnerabilities.

In the case of Facebook data breaches, this means hackers or third parties getting hold of user data, sometimes even selling it on the dark web.

Why Facebook Data Leak Matter

With billions of active users, Facebook is not just another social media platform and it is a massive hub of personal information. When a Facebook data leak happens, millions of people risk identity theft, phishing scams and privacy violations.

Some of the biggest Facebook data breaches have affected hundreds of millions of users, making it one of the most high-profile companies struggling with data security.

A Timeline Of Facebook Data Breaches

Facebook is the world’s largest social media platform which has always been under scrutiny for how it handles user data. While it connects billions of people worldwide, its track record with privacy and security has raised serious concerns.

Over the years, multiple data breach Facebook have exposed user information which has led to legal battles, settlements and loss of trust.

Let’s walk through the significant Facebook data breaches from 2018 to 2024. Understanding these events can help you grasp how Facebook’s data security has evolved and how it impacts users like you.

Facebook data breaches in 2018: The Cambridge Analytica Scandal

In 2018, it came to light that Cambridge Analytica, which is a British consulting firm, had improperly accessed data from millions of Facebook users without their consent.

This data was allegedly used to create detailed profiles for political advertising, notably during the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the Brexit referendum in the UK. The scandal led to widespread criticism of Facebook’s data privacy practices and resulted in significant fines and legal actions.

Facebook data breaches in 2019: Exposure of User Records

In 2019, over 540 million Facebook user records were found exposed on unsecured servers by third-party app developers. These records included user IDs, comments, reactions and account names.

The data was publicly accessible which raised concerns about Facebook’s oversight of third-party data handling.

Facebook data breaches in 2020: Data Breach Incidents

While 2020 did not see a breach on the scale of previous years, Facebook continued to face scrutiny over data privacy. Various incidents highlighted vulnerabilities and emphasized the need for robust security measures to protect user information.

Facebook data breach in 2021: Massive Data Leak

In 2021, the personal data of approximately 533 million Facebook users was leaked online. The exposed information included phone numbers, full names, locations and email addresses. Facebook stated that the data was obtained through a vulnerability that had been patched in 2019.

Facebook data breaches in 2022: Continued Privacy Challenges

In 2022, Facebook faced ongoing challenges related to data privacy which included regulatory scrutiny and legal actions. No major breaches were reported but the company remained under pressure to enhance its data protection practices.

Facebook data breach in 2023 Regulatory Actions

In 2023, Facebook did not report any major data leaks. The company faced significant regulatory action which includes a $1.3 billion fine by the Irish Data Protection Commission for transferring user personal data to the U.S. which violates the GDPR regulations.

Facebook data breaches in 2024: Recent Incidents

In 2024, a breach exposed millions of two-factor authentication codes used by Facebook and other platforms. This incident was attributed to a vulnerability in a third-party company responsible for routing text messages.

Also, in December 2024, Meta agreed to a $50 million settlement with Australia’s privacy regulator over the Cambridge Analytica scandal which addressed the unauthorized data harvesting of Australian user’s information.

These events underscore the importance of staying informed about data privacy and taking proactive measures to protect your personal information on social media platforms.

How Did The Facebook Data Breach Happen?

Let’s get into some of the most significant Facebook data breaches and examine how user data was compromised and the extent of each incident.

The Cambridge Analytica Scandal (2018)

In 2018, it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica, which is a political consulting firm, had improperly accessed data from millions of Facebook users without their consent. The firm collected information through a personality quiz app which is called “This Is Your Digital Life”. Which was developed by Aleksandr Kogan.

Approximately 270,000 users installed the app but it was designed to harvest data from users’ friends which led to the unauthorized collection of information from approximately 87 million users.

This data was allegedly used to create detailed profiles for political advertising during events like the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the Brexit referendum in the UK.

The 2018 “View As” Feature Breach

In September 2018, Facebook experienced a security breach involving its “View As” feature, which allows users to see how their profile appears to others.

Attackers exploited vulnerabilities in this feature by obtaining access tokens that could be used to take over user accounts. Initially, Facebook estimated that up to 50 million accounts were affected but later revised this number to around 29 million.

The compromised data included names, contact details, locations and other personal information. In December 2024, the European Union’s Data Protection Commission fined Meta 251 million euros for this breach which is Facebook’s parent company.

The 2019 Exposure of User Records

In April 2019, over 540 million Facebook user records were found exposed on unsecured Amazon Web Services (AWS) servers. These records, stored by third-party app developers, included user IDs, comments, reactions and account names.

The data was publicly accessible which raised concerns about Facebook’s oversight of third-party data handling and the security measures implemented by developers using its platform.

The 2021 Data Leak

In April 2021, personal data of approximately 533 million Facebook users from 106 countries was leaked online. The exposed information included phone numbers, full names, locations, email addresses and other profile details.

Facebook stated that the data was obtained through a vulnerability that had been patched in 2019. Despite the fix, the leaked data remained available online which posed risks of phishing and other malicious activities.

The 2024 Two-Factor Authentication Code Breach

In late February 2024, a breach exposed millions of two-factor authentication codes used by Facebook and other platforms. This incident was attributed to a vulnerability in a third-party company responsible for routing text messages.

The exposure of these codes undermined the security of accounts relying on SMS-based two-factor authentication which highlighted the risks associated with third-party service providers in the security infrastructure.

These incidents underscore the importance of robust data security measures and the potential risks associated with third-party applications and services. Staying informed about such breaches can help users take proactive steps to protect their personal information online.

How To Find Out If Your Facebook Data Was Leaked

Ensuring the security of your personal information on Facebook is crucial. If you are concerned that your data may have been compromised in a Facebook data breach, here are steps you can take to verify and protect your account:

Check if Your Data Was Leaked

→ Use Online Tools: Websites like Have I Been Pwned allow you to check if your email address or phone number has been involved in a data breach. Simply enter your information on the site and it will search through known breached data to see if your details are included

→ Specific Breach Checkers: For Facebook-specific breaches, tools like Have I Been Zuckered focus on data leaks related to Facebook. You can use this tool to check if your number is in a data breach

Monitor for Unusual Account Activity

→ Review Login History: Regularly check the devices and locations where your Facebook account is logged in. To do this:

• Go to your Facebook profile and click on the three parallel lines in the top right
• Scroll down to Settings and Privacy and select Settings
• Tap Password and Security to see Where You are Logged In
• Review the list for any unfamiliar devices or locations. If you spot any, log out of those sessions and change your password immediately

→ Look for Unauthorized Changes: Be alert for any changes to your account that you did not make such as new friend requests, messages sent without your knowledge or alterations to your profile information

Understand Facebook’s Notification Process

Facebook has stated that it may not always notify users individually if their data has been compromised, especially if the breached data was obtained through scraping public information. It is essential to actively monitor your account and use the tools mentioned above to check for potential breaches.

Protect Your Account

→ Change Your Password: If you suspect your account has been compromised you need to update your password immediately. Choose a strong, unique password that you have not used elsewhere

→ Enable Two Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security that can prevent unauthorized access. With 2FA, you will need to provide a secondary verification method, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password

→ Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Be wary of unsolicited messages or emails asking for your personal information. Always verify the sender’s identity and avoid clicking on suspicious links

By staying vigilant and taking these proactive steps, you can better protect your Facebook account and personal data from potential breaches.

Facebook Data Breach Compensation & Settlements

If you are wondering about compensation related to Facebook data breach settlement payment, here is a straightforward overview:

Overview of Facebook Data Breach Settlements

Over the years, Facebook has faced several lawsuits due to data breaches which led it to a significant settlement:

→ $725 Million Settlement: In December 2022, Facebook agreed to a $725 million settlement by addressing claims that it shared user data with third parties without proper consent

→ $1.4 Billion Settlement with Texas: In July 2024, Meta which is Facebook’s parent company settled for $1.4 billion with the state of Texas over allegations of unauthorized biometric data collection

Who Qualifies for Compensation?

Eligibility criteria vary by settlement:

→ $725 Million Settlement: U.S. Facebook users who had an account between May 24, 2007 and December 22, 2022, were eligible to file a claim. The deadline for submission was August 25, 2023

→ Texas Settlement: This settlement pertains to Texas residents affected by unauthorized biometric data collection. Details about individual compensation have not been specified, as the settlement amount is designated for the state

Settlement Payments: How and When They Are Issued

For the $725 million settlement:

→ Payment Timeline: Due to appeals, the exact payout date remains uncertain. It is anticipated that payments may be distributed in 2025 or later

→ Payment Amount: The exact amount each claimant will receive has not been finalized. It is expected to be a modest sum, potentially around $35 per person which will depend on the number of valid claims

For the Texas settlement, since the funds are allocated to the state, the individual payouts to affected users have not been detailed.

If you believe you were affected by a Facebook data breach, it is essential to stay informed about ongoing legal developments. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, regularly check official settlement websites or consult legal counsel.

How Did Facebook Handle The Data Breach?

Facebook has faced several data breaches over the years which make the company take various actions to address these incidents and enhance user data security.

Here is an overview of how Facebook has managed past breaches, the security measures implemented to prevent future leaks and the public and regulatory responses to these events.

Handling Past Data Breaches

→ Cambridge Analytica Scandal (2018): In this incident, data from approximately 87 million users was improperly accessed by the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, publicly apologized by stating it was a breach of trust and the company pledged to implement changes to prevent similar occurrences

→ “View As” Feature Breach (2018): A vulnerability in the “View As” feature exposed the data of about 50 million users. Facebook addressed the issue by disabling the feature temporarily and notifying affected users

→ Data Leak (2021): Personal information of over 530 million users was found exposed online. Facebook stated that the data was obtained through scraping and that the vulnerability had been patched in 2019

Security Measures to Prevent Future Leaks

→ Enhanced Data Access Controls: Facebook has implemented stricter controls over third-party access to user data which limits the information that external apps can access without explicit user consent

→ Regular Security Audits: The company conducts periodic security assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities within its platform

→ User Education: Facebook provides resources and tools to help users understand privacy settings and secure their accounts effectively

→ Reintroduction of Facial Recognition (2024): To combat scams and assist in account recovery, Facebook reintroduced facial recognition technology. This system aims to detect unauthorized use of images and enhance security measures for users

Public Statements and Regulatory Responses

→ Fines and Legal Actions: Facebook has faced significant fines due to data breaches. Notably, the European Union’s privacy regulator fined Meta €251 million in December 2024 for a 2018 breach affecting millions of users

→ Settlements: In December 2024, Meta agreed to a $50 million settlement with Australia’s privacy regulator over the Cambridge Analytica scandal by compensating up to 300,000 Australian Facebook users

→ Policy Reforms: In response to regulatory scrutiny, Facebook has updated its data handling policies and increased transparency regarding data collection and usage practices

These actions reflect Facebook’s ongoing efforts to address past data breaches which enhance security measures and comply with regulatory requirements to protect user data.

What To Do If Your Facebook Data Was Leaked

If you suspect that your Facebook data has been compromised, it is essential to take immediate steps to secure your account, protect your personal information and explore any available legal options for compensation.

Steps to Secure Your Account

→ Change Your Password: Create a strong, unique password for your Facebook account. Avoid using easily guessable information and consider using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters

→ Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification when logging in. You can set this up in your account settings under “Security and Login”

→ Review Active Sessions: Regularly check the devices and locations where your account is logged in. If you notice any unfamiliar activity, log out of those sessions immediately

→ Revoke Access to Suspicious Apps: Third-party apps can sometimes be a gateway for data breaches. Review and remove any apps that you don’t recognize or no longer use

Preventative Measures to Protect Personal Information

→ Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Be wary of unsolicited messages or emails asking for personal information. Always verify the sender’s identity before clicking on links or downloading attachments

→ Regularly Update Privacy Settings: Adjust your Facebook privacy settings to control who can see your information and posts. Regularly review these settings to ensure they align with your preferences

→ Use a Password Manager: A password manager can help you create and store complex passwords securely, reducing the risk of unauthorized access

Legal Options and Seeking Compensation

→ Stay Informed About Settlements: Facebook has faced several class-action lawsuits due to data breaches. For instance, in December 2022, Facebook agreed to a $725 million settlement related to data privacy violations

→ Determine Eligibility: Eligibility for compensation often depends on specific criteria, such as having an active account during a particular period. Visit official settlement websites to check if you qualify and to submit a claim

→ Consult Legal Counsel: If you believe you’ve suffered significant harm due to a Facebook data breach, consider consulting with a legal professional to explore your options. Law firms specializing in data privacy can provide guidance tailored to your situation

Taking these steps can help you secure your account, protect your personal information and seek any compensation you may be entitled to due to a Facebook data breach.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Facebook has faced multiple Facebook data breaches over the years, exposing user information and raising significant privacy concerns. Notable incidents include the 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal, where data from up to 87 million users was improperly harvested for political advertising and a 2021 breach that exposed the personal data of approximately 533 million users online.

These events have led to substantial fines and settlements, such as the European Union’s €251 million fine in December 2024 for a 2018 security breach and a $725 million settlement in the United States related to the Cambridge Analytica incident.

In response, Facebook has implemented stricter data protection measures and faced increased regulatory scrutiny. Users are advised to regularly review their privacy settings, use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect their personal information.