If you have a digital subscription to a newspaper owned by Lee Enterprises, you may be eligible for a cash payment from a recent class action settlement. This legal agreement addresses concerns regarding how subscriber data and video viewing habits were shared with third parties. Understanding your rights and the steps needed to file a claim is essential for receiving your portion of the settlement fund.
What Is the Lee Enterprises Settlement?
Lee Enterprises is a major media company that operates dozens of local newspapers across the United States. A class action lawsuit was filed alleging that the company violated the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by sharing information about the videos subscribers watched on their websites with Facebook via the Facebook Pixel.
The lawsuit claimed that this data sharing happened without the explicit consent of the subscribers. While Lee Enterprises denied any wrongdoing and maintained that they followed all privacy laws, they agreed to a $4.1 million settlement to resolve the case and avoid the costs of a lengthy trial. This settlement provides a way for affected subscribers to receive compensation for the alleged privacy breach.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
To qualify for a payment, you must be a “Class Member.” This generally includes individuals in the United States who had a digital subscription to any Lee Enterprises publication and accessed video content on their websites during a specific timeframe. The relevant period usually covers several years leading up to the settlement agreement.
List of Affected Publications
Lee Enterprises owns a vast network of newspapers. If you subscribed to any of the following titles, you may be eligible:
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch
- The Arizona Daily Star
- The Buffalo News
- Omaha World-Herald
- Richmond Times-Dispatch
- The Journal Times
- The Times of Northwest Indiana
- Lincoln Journal Star
- Casper Star-Tribune
- Tulsa World
This is not an exhaustive list, as Lee Enterprises operates in over 70 markets. If you receive a digital newsletter or pay for digital access to a local daily newspaper, it is worth checking if your publication is part of the Lee Enterprises network.
How the Video Privacy Protection Act Works
The Video Privacy Protection Act is a federal law passed in 1988. It was originally designed to prevent video rental stores from sharing a person’s rental history without their permission. In the modern era, courts have applied this law to digital media companies that provide video content online.
The law protects “personally identifiable information,” which includes data that identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific video materials. The lawsuit against Lee Enterprises alleged that by using tracking tools like the Facebook Pixel, the company linked subscribers’ identities with the specific videos they watched, which the plaintiffs argued was a violation of this privacy act.
How Much Can You Expect to Receive?
The total settlement fund is $4.1 million. However, the amount each individual receives depends on a few factors. First, the court must approve administrative costs, legal fees, and service awards for the lead plaintiffs. The remaining amount, known as the “Net Settlement Fund,” is then divided equally among everyone who files a valid claim.
Because the final amount depends on the total number of people who submit a claim, it is difficult to provide an exact dollar figure. In similar privacy settlements, payments often range from $10 to $50, though this can vary significantly based on participation rates. Regardless of the amount, filing a claim is the only way to ensure you receive a piece of the fund.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Claim
Filing a claim is a straightforward process that can usually be completed online in just a few minutes. Follow these steps to ensure your claim is submitted correctly.
1. Locate Your Notice ID
Many eligible subscribers were sent an email or a postcard containing a unique Notice ID and Confirmation Code. Having this information makes the process much faster. If you did not receive a notice but believe you are eligible, you can still file a claim by providing your subscription details manually.
2. Visit the Official Settlement Website
You must use the official settlement administrator’s website to submit your claim. Be cautious of third-party sites that ask for a fee; legitimate class action settlements never charge you a fee to file a claim. Enter your Notice ID to log in to the secure portal.
3. Provide Your Contact Information
Ensure that your name, mailing address, and email address are current. This is how the settlement administrator will contact you and send your payment. You will often have the choice between receiving a physical check or a digital payment via services like PayPal or Venmo.
4. Attest to Your Eligibility
You will be asked to confirm under penalty of perjury that you were a subscriber and that you accessed video content on a Lee Enterprises site. Read the statements carefully before checking the boxes and submitting the form.
Important Deadlines to Remember
Class action settlements have strict timelines. If you miss a deadline, you lose your right to participate or object. While specific dates can change based on court orders, you should keep an eye on the following milestones:
- Claim Submission Deadline: This is the final date to submit your form to be eligible for payment.
- Exclusion Deadline: If you wish to sue Lee Enterprises individually for these specific privacy claims, you must “opt out” by this date.
- Objection Deadline: If you disagree with the terms of the settlement, you can submit a written objection to the court.
- Final Approval Hearing: The date the judge decides whether the settlement is fair and reasonable.
What Happens if You Do Nothing?
If you are a member of the settlement class and you do nothing, you will not receive a payment. Furthermore, you will give up your right to ever sue Lee Enterprises for the legal claims involved in this case. Even if you aren’t sure how much the payment will be, it is generally better to file a claim than to let your rights expire without any compensation.
Understanding the Final Approval Process
After the claim deadline passes, the court holds a final fairness hearing. During this hearing, the judge reviews any objections and decides if the settlement should be officially approved. Once approved, there is often a 30-day period for appeals. If no appeals are filed, the settlement administrator begins processing the claims and distributing the funds. This process can take several months, so patience is required after you submit your form.
Conclusion
The Lee Enterprises settlement is an important reminder of digital privacy rights and the protections provided by federal law. If you were a subscriber to one of their many publications, taking a few minutes to file a claim ensures that you are compensated for the use of your data. Staying informed about class action settlements allows you to protect your consumer rights and hold large corporations accountable for their privacy practices. To learn more about protecting your digital footprint or navigating other consumer rights issues, explore our other helpful guides on online privacy and financial settlements.