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AT&T customers affected by two massive data breaches in 2024 can now apply for compensation as part of a $177 million (£139m) class-action settlement. Claims opened in August 2025 following preliminary approval by a Texas court in June, with a final decision expected later this year. Eligible individuals have until 18 November 2025 to file online or by post.

Background on the Breaches

The settlement follows two high-profile security incidents disclosed by AT&T in 2024. The first, identified in March, saw personal information including names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, dates of birth, account passcodes and Social Security numbers released on the dark web. Around 73 million people were affected, including 7.6 million current customers and more than 65 million former ones.

The second breach, revealed in July 2024, involved the theft of call and text metadata via a Snowflake-hosted workspace. Hackers accessed records such as numbers contacted, call duration, message counts and, in some cases, cell site IDs. AT&T admitted the breach impacted almost all of its wireless customers.

The company has denied wrongdoing but agreed to the multimillion-dollar settlement to avoid further litigation.

Who Is Eligible to Claim

Eligibility depends on which breach an individual was affected by:

  • AT&T 1 (March 2024): Customers whose personal data, including Social Security numbers, appeared in the leaked dataset.
  • AT&T 2 (July 2024): Account holders and line users whose call and text records were accessed.
  • Overlap claimants: Customers impacted by both breaches may file claims for each, but separate documentation is required.

Key Deadlines

The settlement was preliminarily approved in June 2025, with the claims process opening two months later. Key dates include:

  • Opt-out or objection deadline: 17 October 2025
  • Claim deadline: 18 November 2025 (online or postmarked if mailed)
  • Final approval hearing: 3 December 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CT

How Much Customers Can Claim

Compensation falls into two categories: documented losses and pro-rata payments.

  • AT&T 1: Up to $5,000 for documented financial losses linked to the breach since 2019.
  • AT&T 2: Up to $2,500 for losses incurred after 14 April 2024.
  • Pro-rata payments: Customers without documentation may still receive a cash payment. Those with Social Security numbers exposed are eligible for higher-tier compensation.

The maximum potential payout for individuals affected by both breaches is $7,500, provided all losses are fully documented.

How to File a Claim

The official settlement website is telecomdatasettlement.com, which is court-approved. Claimants are urged to avoid fraudulent websites and only use the authorised portal.

The process requires verifying eligibility online or by notice ID, uploading documents to prove financial losses where applicable, or selecting a pro-rata option. Forms can be submitted online or printed and mailed before the deadline. Assistance is available by calling (833) 890-4930.

When Will Payments Be Made?

If the court grants final approval in December, settlement payments will only begin once any appeals are resolved and claims have been reviewed. This process could take several months.

Why This Matters

The AT&T breaches are among the largest data exposures in recent US history and highlight the growing risks around consumer privacy. For millions of current and former customers, the settlement provides a pathway to compensation, but it also underscores how vulnerable personal data remains in the digital age.

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