If you have spent time watching videos on the Forbes website in recent years, you may be eligible for a cash payment from a recent class action settlement. The Forbes Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) settlement was reached to resolve claims that the media company shared user data with third parties without proper consent. Understanding your rights and the steps required to file a claim is essential for receiving your portion of the settlement fund.
What Is the Forbes VPPA Settlement?
The Forbes VPPA settlement is a legal resolution to a class action lawsuit titled Brooks v. Forbes Media LLC. The lawsuit alleged that Forbes violated the federal Video Privacy Protection Act by using tracking technologies, specifically the Meta Pixel, to share information about the videos users watched on its website with Facebook (Meta). According to the plaintiffs, this happened without the clear, written consent required by law.
Forbes has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that it did not violate any laws. However, both parties agreed to a settlement of $2.85 million to avoid the costs and risks associated with a lengthy trial. This fund is intended to pay eligible class members, administrative costs, and legal fees.
Who Is Eligible to Receive a Payment?
Eligibility for this settlement is based on specific criteria regarding your interaction with the Forbes website and your social media usage. You are likely considered a class member if you meet the following requirements:
- You were a subscriber to Forbes (including email newsletters) between July 7, 2021, and April 14, 2023.
- You viewed videos on the Forbes.com website during that same period.
- You had a Facebook account at the time you viewed the videos.
If you received an email or a postcard notice regarding this settlement, it likely contains a unique Class Member ID. Having this ID makes the filing process much faster, but you may still be able to file even if you did not receive a notice or cannot find your ID.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Claim
Filing a claim is a straightforward process that can be completed online. Follow these steps to ensure your submission is accurate and timely:
1. Visit the Official Settlement Website
To begin, you must navigate to the official settlement administrator’s website. This is the only authorized location to submit a claim. Be cautious of third-party sites that ask for a fee to file your claim; legitimate class action settlements do not require you to pay to participate.
2. Locate the Claim Form
Once on the homepage, look for a button or link labeled “Submit Claim” or “File a Claim.” This will take you to a secure portal where you can enter your information.
3. Enter Your Class Member ID
If you received a notice via email or mail, enter the Class Member ID provided. This will pre-populate some of your information and verify your eligibility. If you do not have an ID, look for the option to “File Without a Notice ID” to proceed manually.
4. Provide Contact Information
You will need to provide your full name, current mailing address, and the email address associated with your Forbes subscription. It is important to use the same email address Forbes has on file to ensure your claim is verified correctly.
5. Choose Your Payment Method
One of the benefits of modern settlements is the variety of payment options. You can typically choose to receive your funds via:
- Venmo
- PayPal
- Zelle
- Digital Mastercard
- Physical Check (mailed to your address)
6. Review and Submit
Carefully review all the information you have entered. You will be asked to sign the form electronically under penalty of perjury, affirming that the information provided is true. Once submitted, keep a copy of your claim confirmation number for your records.
Important Deadlines and Dates
In any class action settlement, timing is critical. If you miss the deadlines, you will lose your right to claim money or object to the terms. Here are the key dates for the Forbes VPPA settlement:
- Claim Filing Deadline: This is the last day to submit your form to be eligible for a payment. Claims must be submitted online or postmarked by this date.
- Exclusion Deadline: If you wish to sue Forbes individually for these same claims, you must “opt-out” or exclude yourself by this date.
- Objection Deadline: If you disagree with the settlement terms or the amount of attorney fees, you must file a written objection by this date.
- Final Approval Hearing: The court will meet on this date to decide whether to officially approve the settlement.
Payments are generally not distributed until after the Final Approval Hearing and after any potential appeals are resolved. This process can take several months.
How Much Will the Payment Be?
The total settlement fund is $2.85 million. However, the amount each individual receives depends on several factors. First, administrative costs, court-approved attorney fees, and service awards for the class representatives are deducted from the total fund.
The remaining amount is divided equally among all class members who submitted a valid claim. Because the number of claimants is unknown until the deadline passes, it is difficult to provide an exact figure. Estimates for settlements of this size typically range from $10 to $50 per person, though this can vary significantly based on participation rates.
Why Privacy Settlements Matter
The Video Privacy Protection Act was originally passed in 1988 to prevent video rental stores from sharing customer records. In the digital age, courts have applied this law to online video streaming and websites that host video content. These settlements serve as a reminder to digital media companies that they must be transparent about how they track user behavior and share data with social media platforms like Facebook.
By participating in this settlement, you are exercising your rights as a consumer and holding companies accountable for their data handling practices. It also ensures that you are compensated for the unauthorized sharing of your viewing habits.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
If you believe you are an eligible class member, the most important step is to file your claim before the deadline. It only takes a few minutes and ensures you are included in the final distribution of funds. Make sure to double-check your email for any notices from the settlement administrator, as these often contain the necessary ID codes to simplify the process.
For more information on protecting your digital privacy or navigating other consumer settlements, feel free to explore our other guides. Staying informed is the best way to manage your online presence and ensure your rights are respected by the services you use every day.