If you have been an AARP member or a subscriber to their digital services, you may be eligible for a payment from a recent class action settlement. The lawsuit, known as Markels et al. v. AARP, involves allegations regarding the protection of user privacy and the sharing of digital data. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of what the settlement is about, who qualifies for a payment, and how you can submit your claim before the deadline.
Understanding the AARP Privacy Settlement
The settlement stems from a class action lawsuit alleging that AARP violated the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). The plaintiffs in the case claimed that AARP disclosed the video viewing habits of its subscribers to third-party companies, specifically Meta (formerly Facebook), without obtaining proper legal consent.
The Video Privacy Protection Act is a federal law that prevents “video tape service providers” from sharing information that identifies the specific video materials a person has requested or watched. In the digital age, this law has been applied to websites and apps that offer video content and use tracking tools like the Meta Pixel.
AARP has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that it did not violate any laws. However, both parties have agreed to a settlement to avoid the costs and uncertainty of a lengthy trial. This agreement creates a fund to pay eligible members who may have been affected by these data-sharing practices.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
To receive a payment from this settlement, you must meet specific criteria defined by the court. Generally, the “Settlement Class” includes individuals in the United States who fit the following description:
- You were an AARP member or a subscriber to an AARP digital publication.
- You viewed videos on AARP’s website or digital platforms during a specific timeframe.
- Your video viewing data was allegedly shared with a third party via tracking technology.
The relevant period for eligibility typically covers several years leading up to the settlement agreement. If you received a notice via email or mail with a Class Member ID, you are likely already identified as a potential claimant. If you did not receive a notice but believe you qualify, you can still submit a claim for review by the settlement administrator.
How to File a Claim for Payment
Filing a claim is a straightforward process, but it must be completed accurately to ensure you receive your share of the settlement fund. You can file your claim online through the official settlement website or by mailing a paper claim form.
Step 1: Locate Your Notice ID
If you received an official notice, it will contain a unique Claim ID and PIN. Having this information makes the online filing process much faster, as it automatically links your record to the settlement database.
Step 2: Complete the Claim Form
Whether filing online or by mail, you will need to provide basic contact information, including your name, current mailing address, and email. You may also need to attest, under penalty of perjury, that you were an AARP subscriber and viewed video content on their platforms during the eligible period.
Step 3: Choose Your Payment Method
Most modern settlements allow you to choose how you want to receive your funds. Common options include digital payments via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle, as well as traditional paper checks sent through the mail.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
It is critical to submit your claim form by the court-ordered deadline. Claims submitted after this date will generally be rejected, regardless of your eligibility. Make sure to keep a copy of your submission confirmation for your records.
Estimated Settlement Amounts
The total amount each person receives depends on the total number of valid claims filed. The settlement fund is a “pro-rata” fund, meaning the money is divided equally among all eligible participants after legal fees and administrative costs are deducted.
While individual payouts for VPPA settlements can range from small amounts to more significant sums, it is impossible to know the exact figure until the final claim count is verified. Even if the individual payment is modest, participating in the settlement helps hold large organizations accountable for data privacy standards.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Staying informed about the timeline of the legal process is essential for anyone expecting a payment. Here are the key milestones to watch for:
- Claim Submission Deadline: This is the last day to submit your form to be eligible for payment.
- Opt-Out Deadline: If you wish to sue AARP individually for these specific claims, you must exclude yourself from the settlement by this date.
- Objection Deadline: This is the date by which you must submit any legal objections to the settlement terms to the court.
- Final Approval Hearing: The court will meet to decide whether the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate. Payments are typically distributed only after the court grants final approval and any potential appeals are resolved.
Why Privacy Settlements Matter
Class action settlements like this one serve an important role in the digital economy. They remind companies that user data, including what you watch online, is sensitive and protected by law. By participating, you are exercising your rights as a consumer and a citizen.
To protect your privacy moving forward, consider the following steps when browsing digital content:
- Review the privacy settings on your social media accounts to limit data sharing.
- Use browser extensions that block third-party trackers and pixels.
- Read the privacy policies of organizations you subscribe to, especially regarding “video viewing history.”
Conclusion and Next Steps
The AARP settlement provides a clear path for members to seek compensation for privacy concerns related to their digital data. If you believe you are eligible, the most important step is to visit the official settlement portal and submit your claim form as soon as possible. Delaying could mean missing out on your portion of the settlement fund.
For those looking for more information on consumer rights and digital privacy, exploring articles on how class actions work or how to manage your online data footprint can be very beneficial. Staying informed is the best way to protect your interests in an increasingly connected world.