A federal judge on Friday voided a settlement of privacy claims against Facebook under which the giant social network was to have donated $10-million to charity, according to Reuters.
San Francisco-based U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg outlined several concerns with the June deal on a suit brought by five Facebook members, who alleged the site broke California law by publicizing users’ “likes” of particular advertisers via its Sponsored Stories feature without offering those users payment or a way to opt out.
In his order, Judge Seeborg requested more information on why the deal does not provide any compensation for Facebook users. Under the settlement, Facebook agreed to give members more control over how it uses their personal information and to pay $10-million in legal fees along with making the charitable contribution.
A Facebook spokesman said the firm continues to believe the initial deal “fair, reasonable, and adequate,” but he added, “We appreciate the court’s guidance and look forward to addressing the questions raised in the order.”

