Recently, numerous Canadians have been surprised to find an unexpected $36.29 e-Transfer from an entity named MNP in their bank accounts. This phenomenon isn’t a scam but rather the outcome of a significant legal resolution involving one of the world’s largest social media platforms. If you’ve received one of these payments or are curious about what this means for privacy rights, here’s a comprehensive look at what this settlement entails and how it affects you.
What is This $36.29 e-Transfer?
If you’ve found an e-Transfer of $36.29 from MNP in your bank account, you’re part of a group receiving payments from a legal settlement. This isn’t random; it’s connected to a lawsuit against Meta. Checking your bank statements regularly can help you stay aware of such unexpected transactions.
Why Did Meta Pay Out?
The payment originates from a class action lawsuit against Meta, centered on the use of users’ personal information in advertisements without permission, which was seen as a breach of privacy laws in certain Canadian provinces. This lawsuit highlights the importance of consent in digital advertising.
Eligibility for the Payout
To be eligible, you must be a resident of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or Newfoundland and Labrador between January 1, 2011, and May 30, 2014, with your name or photo used in Meta’s Sponsored Stories ads. Knowing these criteria can help you understand if you should have received a payment.
The Settlement Amount
According to iPhoneinCanada, the lawsuit’s settlement agreement included a fund of $51 million CAD to be distributed among qualifying class members, resulting in individual payments of $36.29. This shows how legal actions can lead to substantial settlements for affected individuals.
Who is MNP?
MNP, a Calgary-based accounting firm, was appointed as the court’s administrator to handle the distribution of these settlement funds, ensuring each eligible person receives their share. Their role underscores the importance of third-party administration in legal settlements.
Receiving Your Settlement
Most payments are being sent via Interac e-Transfer. If you have auto-deposit enabled, the money should appear automatically. Otherwise, you might need to enter a security answer. Being aware of how payments are processed can prevent confusion or suspicion.
What’s the Security Answer?
If prompted for a security answer to deposit the e-Transfer, the case-sensitive response is “Facebook.” This security measure helps ensure that only the intended recipients can access the funds. Remember to check your spam folder if you haven’t received any notifications.
Email Notification Challenges
Some individuals have noted discrepancies, like receiving payments but emails addressed to the wrong name, indicating possible database errors. This experience emphasizes the need for accurate data management.
What You Need to Do
If you don’t opt out of the class action by 2020, no further action will be required from you. MNP used existing contact details to send out these payments. It’s a reminder of the passive role class members often play in legal outcomes.
Conditions for Keeping the Payment
As reported by CBC News, there are conditions to keeping the money. You must have lived in one of the specified provinces during the class period; otherwise, you should not accept the payment. Ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria is essential before accepting legal settlement funds.
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