Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, is known for extensive data collection. In several individual cases in the past, various courts have ruled that Meta neither respects EU laws when creating user profiles nor makes appropriate efforts to ensure data security. Three separate campaigns are now calling on users to take part in lawsuits against Meta. The prerequisite is a residence in Germany and the status of “EU citizen”. Privacy Claim: 50 euros
A lawsuit that is widely advertised on social networks goes by the name “Privacy ReClaim”. It is carried out by CPG GmbH, which was registered in July 2025, and relies on a low-threshold offer: users of Facebook and/or Instagram assign their legal claim for the lawsuit to the GmbH and receive a one-off payment of 50 euros. All they have to do is fill out online questionnaires, which can take a few minutes to over an hour. The risk is then borne by the campaign – however, if the lawsuit is successful, there will be no additional distribution. Alternatively, you could also sue yourself, but the website advises users without legal protection insurance not to do so, as you will then bear the legal fees and the risk yourself and the process will drag on for several years. Privacy ReClaim estimates the actual amount in dispute per case to be between 1,000 and 1,500 euros.
VZBV: up to 600 euros
The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV) is suing the Meta Group because of a major data leak on the social network Facebook in 2021. This resulted in extensive collections of personal data reaching unauthorized parties who could use them for identity theft or targeted fraud attempts (phishing). The VZBV wants to establish that Facebook has violated data protection law and is demanding compensation for those affected. Depending on the information content of the Facebook profile, between 100 and 600 euros can be obtained. The proceedings began at the end of 2024, and a second oral court hearing took place on March 27, 2026. Users can use the information page to check whether they have a chance of receiving compensation and to register in the lawsuit register – this will remain open to new registrations until further notice.
Representative action: 5,000 to 10,000 euros
Another class action lawsuit seeks to prove that the Facebook Group used “meta business tools” to collect illegal data – primarily outside of its own social media portals. The Austrian Consumer Protection Association (VSV) is cooperating with the law firm “Baumeister & Colleagues” and Padronus Litigation Financing for the meta-klage.de portal. Users can register using a web form; As the process progresses, users will be asked by email to fill out forms and questionnaires. Finally, you will be added to the lawsuit register. There are no costs; If the claim for damages is successful, ten percent of the proceeds are assigned. This campaign demands up to 5,000 euros for each adult co-plaintiff and twice as much for underage victims.
