$4.8 Million Bleacher Report Data Privacy Class Action Settlement
Settlement Status: Closed
Claim Form Deadline: Passed
What is the $4.8 Million Bleacher Report Data Privacy Class Action Settlement?
A $4.8 million settlement has been reached with Bleacher Report over claims that it violated users’ data privacy rights. Bleacher Report is a well-known sports news platform covering various sports and leagues.
The lawsuit alleges that Bleacher Report breached the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by sharing personally identifiable information (PII) with Facebook through its Meta Pixel without obtaining user consent. Under the VPPA, PII includes information identifying individuals who requested or obtained specific video materials from a video service provider.
Bleacher Report denies any wrongdoing, and the court has not ruled on the merits of the case. However, both parties agreed to settle to avoid the costs and uncertainties of continued litigation.
Originally enacted in 1988, the VPPA prohibits video service providers from disclosing PII without consumer consent, with certain exceptions. Although the law was created to protect privacy in video rental records, it has been updated to address contemporary digital privacy issues, including online streaming and data sharing.
Recently, there has been a rise in VPPA-related lawsuits targeting companies that provide video content online, often involving allegations of sharing consumer data with third parties through tracking tools.
How Do I Qualify for a Payout?
To qualify for a payment from the Bleacher Report class action settlement, you must submit a valid claim form by the deadline of August 23, 2024. You may be eligible if you had a Bleacher Report account at any time between January 25, 2011, and May 21, 2024. Dates may be subject to preliminary approval, so check back for updates.
How Much Can I Get?
Bleacher Report has set aside a $4.8 million fund for:
- Payments to settlement class members
- Administrative costs
- Expenses related to notifying individuals about the settlement
- Attorneys’ fees
- Incentive awards for class action representatives
Payouts to individual claimants may be pro-rated based on the number of valid claims received. Additionally, Bleacher Report has agreed to revise its data privacy policies, including suspending the use of Facebook’s Meta Pixel on pages featuring video content.
How Do I File a Claim?
If you believe you qualify, you can file a claim online or print and mail it:
Claim Form Website: BleacherReportVPPASettlement.com
Please be aware that your claim form will be rejected if it contains fraudulent information. By submitting your information and your sworn statement of its accuracy, you are agreeing to do so under penalty of perjury. Submitting false information not only jeopardizes your claim but also affects others who are genuinely eligible for the settlement. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for this class action settlement, please visit the class action administrator’s website for more information. Note that NoProofClassActions.org participates in the Amazon affiliate advertising program, and this post may include affiliate links, which could result in us earning a commission if you make a purchase through those links.
