The FTC announced on July 24, 2019, that Facebook would pay a $5 billion civil penalty and accept new privacy requirements to resolve allegations that it violated a 2012 privacy order.
True
The FTC announced on July 24, 2019 that Facebook agreed to a $5 billion penalty resolving privacy charges.
FTC Gives Final Approval to Modify FTC’s 2012 Privacy Order with Facebook with Provisions from 2019 Settlement | Federal Trade Commission
Source: ftc.gov
At a glance
Verified August 31, 2026Key Evidence
The FTC’s official announcement was dated July 24, 2019, and described the $5 billion payment as a penalty resolving privacy-related charges against Facebook.
The settlement addressed alleged violations of the FTC’s 2012 privacy order and included additional privacy oversight requirements.
Reuters and The Guardian independently reported on July 24-25, 2019, that Facebook would pay the record $5 billion fine as part of the resolution.
The reporting
What the Evidence Shows
The Federal Trade Commission’s July 24, 2019 announcement directly supports the claim. It said Facebook would pay a $5 billion penalty and comply with broad changes to its privacy practices to settle allegations that the company had misled users about their control over personal information.ftc.govftc.govFTC Imposes $5 Billion Penalty and Sweeping New Privacy Restrictions on Facebook
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