In 2024, AT&T, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States, experienced two significant data breaches that compromised the personal information of millions of its customers. To address the legal repercussions of these incidents, AT&T has agreed to a $177 million settlement. This settlement aims to compensate affected individuals and resolve the lawsuits stemming from the breaches. While AT&T denies any wrongdoing, the company has chosen to settle to avoid prolonged litigation. The Sun
I. Background of the Data Breaches
A. March 2024 Data Breach (AT&T 1 Data Incident)
On March 30, 2024, AT&T announced that certain AT&T-specific fields were found in a data set released on the dark web. This breach, referred to as the "AT&T 1 Data Incident," compromised the personal information of approximately 7.6 million current and 65.4 million former customers. The exposed data included names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, account passcodes, billing account numbers, and Social Security numbers. telecomdatasettlement.com
B. July 2024 Data Breach (AT&T 2 Data Incident)
In July 2024, AT&T disclosed a second data breach, known as the "AT&T 2 Data Incident." This breach involved unauthorized downloads of call-related data from a third-party cloud platform managed by Snowflake, Inc. The compromised data included telephone numbers of current and former AT&T customers, along with information about their interactions, such as call durations and cell site identification numbers. However, no content or sensitive personal details were involved in this incident. TIME
II. Settlement Details
A. Total Settlement Amount
AT&T has agreed to a total settlement amount of $177 million to resolve the lawsuits arising from the two data breaches. The settlement is divided as follows:
- March 2024 Breach (AT&T 1 Data Incident): $149 million
- July 2024 Breach (AT&T 2 Data Incident): $28 million
These funds will be used to compensate affected individuals and cover legal fees. People.com
B. Compensation for Affected Individuals
Eligible individuals may receive compensation based on the nature and impact of the data breaches:
- March 2024 Breach:
- Documented Loss Cash Payment: Up to $5,000 for losses that occurred in 2019 or later, upon presentation of documentation that the losses are fairly traceable to the AT&T 1 Data Incident.
- Tier 1 Cash Payment: For individuals whose Social Security Number was included in the breach, a Tier 1 Cash Payment is available, which is five times the amount of a Tier 2 Cash Payment.
- July 2024 Breach:
- Cash Payment: Up to $2,500 for losses that occurred on or after April 14, 2024.
Individuals affected by both breaches may be eligible for a total of up to $7,500, provided they submit separate documentation for each breach. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
C. Claim Process
To file a claim, affected individuals must:
- Verify Eligibility: Determine if they are part of the settlement class by reviewing the criteria outlined on the official settlement website.
- Gather Documentation: Collect necessary documents that support their claim, such as proof of losses and personal information.
- Submit Claim: Complete the claim form available on the settlement website and submit it by the deadline.
The deadline to submit claims is November 18, 2025. The final court approval hearing is scheduled for December 3, 2025. After the hearing, payments will be disbursed to eligible individuals. TIME
III. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Am I eligible for the AT&T data breach settlement?
Eligibility depends on whether your personal information was compromised in either or both of the data breaches. You can check your eligibility by visiting the official settlement website and reviewing the criteria for the AT&T 1 and AT&T 2 Data Incidents. telecomdatasettlement.com
2. How do I file a claim?
To file a claim, visit the official settlement website and complete the online claim form. Ensure you provide accurate information and submit any required documentation to support your claim. telecomdatasettlement.com
3. What documentation do I need to provide?
Required documentation may include proof of identity, evidence of losses incurred due to the data breach, and any other relevant records that substantiate your claim. Specific requirements are detailed on the settlement website. telecomdatasettlement.com
4. What is the deadline to submit a claim?
The deadline to submit claims is November 18, 2025. Claims submitted after this date may not be considered. TIME
5. How will I receive my payment?
Payments will be disbursed after the final court approval hearing on December 3, 2025. Eligible individuals will receive their compensation via the method specified in their claim form. TIME
6. Can I file a claim if I no longer have my AT&T account?
Yes, former AT&T customers whose personal information was compromised in the data breaches may still be eligible to file a claim. Ensure you provide accurate information and any available documentation to support your claim. telecomdatasettlement.com
7. What if I want to opt out of the settlement?
If you wish to opt out of the settlement and pursue independent legal action, you must submit an opt-out request by October 17, 2025. Details on how to opt out are provided on the settlement website. TIME
8. Will I be notified if I am eligible for the settlement?
AT&T has begun notifying affected individuals via email. If you have not received a notification, you can check your eligibility by visiting the official settlement website or contacting the settlement administrator. TIME
9. What happens if the settlement is not approved?
If the court does not approve the settlement, the legal proceedings will continue, and no payments will be made to affected individuals. Updates will be provided on the settlement website if this occurs. TIME
10. How can I get more information?
For more information, visit the official settlement website or contact the settlement administrator at the provided contact details. telecomdatasettlement.co
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