In recent developments, two prominent global corporations have reached significant settlements following lawsuits, providing a path for compensation to affected customers.
Amazon has agreed to a staggering $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) due to allegations that the company pressured customers into subscribing to its Prime service and made cancellations exceedingly difficult. Despite firmly denying these accusations and maintaining that it adheres to legal business practices, Amazon opted for the settlement to avoid the costs and risks associated with prolonged litigation.
In a separate but similar instance, AT&T has consented to a $177 million settlement after it suffered two major data breaches. The first incident, disclosed on March 30, 2024, involved a significant hacking event where sensitive customer information—including names, birthdays, and social security numbers—was compromised. This breach was followed by a second attack on July 12, 2024, which resulted in unauthorized access to six months’ worth of user messages and calls. Although AT&T claims it is not liable for the security failures, the settlement is a strategic move to mitigate the potential for further legal challenges.
For those eligible for the Amazon Prime settlement, the process outlines two distinct groups for compensation. Automatic payments of up to $51 will be issued to customers who utilized their Prime benefits three times or fewer during any 12-month period of enrollment. These customers can expect to receive their payments by December 24, 2025. Others may need to file a claim, with details set to be distributed by a third-party claims administrator by January 23, 2026. The deadline for claim submissions is July 23, 2026.
AT&T customers impacted by the data breaches can apply for compensation by filling out an online form or mailing their claim through the AT&T Data Incident Settlement Claim Form. All claims must be submitted by November 18, 2025. Affected individuals who document their experiences with the 2019 breach could be entitled to as much as $5,000, while those relating to the 2024 incidents may claim up to $2,500. Additionally, a third cash payment option will distribute a share of the settlement after administrative costs.
These settlements highlight the ongoing accountability that major corporations face in protecting consumer data and maintaining ethical business practices, ultimately offering a flicker of hope for consumers who seek restitution.