AT&T has reached a significant settlement in response to multiple data breaches that have affected millions of customers in recent years. The telecommunications giant is distributing $177 million as part of this agreement, which stems from legal actions prompted by incidents in 2024. Customers whose personal information was compromised can file claims until the new deadline of November 18, 2025.
Eligible customers may receive payouts up to $7,500, depending on the losses sustained and the documentation provided. The breaches, which occurred on March 30 and July 12, 2024, exposed sensitive customer data, impacting approximately 7 million accounts during the first incident and around 65 million over several years. Notably, AT&T has acknowledged these breaches but has denied any negligence, stating it acted responsibly throughout the process.
In terms of the settlement distribution, findings indicate that $149 million will be allocated for the first breach and $28 million for the second. Customers are categorized into two groups for the settlement: those affected by the first breach, which involved sensitive information like Social Security Numbers, and those impacted by the second breach, who experienced exposure of interaction data including call and text records.
To facilitate claims, AT&T customers can submit their applications online or via traditional mail through the Kroll Settlement Administration. It is crucial that claims are submitted before the deadline to ensure eligibility.
Despite the challenges posed by these incidents, AT&T has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing data security and protecting personal information. The company aims to restore trust among its customer base by prioritizing safety measures and improving data handling practices.
With the final approval hearing scheduled for January 15, 2026, affected customers are encouraged to take advantage of this settlement opportunity, which aims to compensate those significantly impacted by the data breaches while allowing AT&T to focus on strengthening its internal security protocols going forward.