If you have used the Rakuten Viki streaming service to watch your favorite shows and movies, you may be entitled to a cash payment. A class action settlement has been reached regarding allegations that the platform shared user viewing information with third parties without proper consent. This legal action focuses on the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), a federal law designed to protect the privacy of your digital viewing habits.
Understanding how to navigate class action settlements can be confusing, but filing a claim is often a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Rakuten Viki VPPA settlement, including who is eligible, what the deadlines are, and the exact steps you need to take to receive your portion of the settlement fund.
Understanding the Rakuten Viki VPPA Settlement
The settlement stems from a lawsuit alleging that Rakuten Viki disclosed information about the videos its users watched to third-party companies, specifically Facebook, through the use of tracking tools like the Facebook Pixel. The plaintiffs argued that this practice violated the VPPA, which prohibits video service providers from sharing “personally identifiable information” about the videos a consumer watches without their express written consent.
Rakuten Viki has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that it did not violate any laws. However, both parties agreed to a settlement to avoid the costs and uncertainties of a lengthy trial. As a result, a settlement fund has been established to compensate eligible users who may have had their privacy rights affected.
Are You Eligible for a Payment?
To qualify for a payment from this settlement, you must meet specific criteria. Generally, the settlement class includes individuals who reside in the United States and used the Rakuten Viki service during a specific timeframe.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Location: You must be a resident of the United States.
- Usage: You must have used the Rakuten Viki website or mobile application to view video content.
- Timeframe: Your usage must have occurred between August 17, 2011, and the date the court granted preliminary approval of the settlement (typically in early 2024).
- Data Sharing: You must be an individual whose digital viewing data was allegedly shared with a third party like Facebook.
Many eligible users received an email or a postcard notice containing a unique Class Member ID. If you received this notice, you are almost certainly eligible to file a claim. If you did not receive a notice but believe you meet the criteria, you can still attempt to file a claim by providing the required account information.
How Much Can You Expect to Receive?
The total settlement fund is a fixed amount, which is used to pay for administrative costs, legal fees, and the awards for the lead plaintiffs. The remaining balance is then distributed among all class members who submit a valid and timely claim form.
Because the final amount depends on the number of people who file a claim, it is impossible to know the exact payment amount until the claim period has ended. If a large number of people file, the individual payments will be smaller. If fewer people file, the payments will be larger. Historically, settlements of this nature result in payments ranging from $10 to $50, though this is only an estimate.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Claim
Filing your claim is the most important step to ensuring you receive your payment. The process is handled through an official settlement administrator website. Follow these steps to complete your application.
1. Locate Your Class Member ID
If you received an email or mail notice about the settlement, look for a unique alphanumeric code labeled as your “Class Member ID” or “Claimant ID.” Having this ID makes the process much faster as it pre-fills your information. If you don’t have one, you can still proceed as a new claimant.
2. Access the Official Claim Form
Navigate to the official settlement website. Look for a button or link that says “Submit a Claim” or “File a Claim Form.” Ensure you are on the legitimate site authorized by the court to handle the Rakuten Viki settlement.
3. Provide Your Contact Information
You will need to enter your full name, current mailing address, and the email address associated with your Rakuten Viki account. It is vital that this information is accurate, as this is how your payment or further communications will be sent.
4. Select Your Payment Method
Most modern settlements offer several ways to receive your money. You can typically choose between a physical check mailed to your home or a digital payment through services like PayPal, Venmo, or a digital Mastercard. Digital payments are often processed faster than physical checks.
5. Sign and Submit
You will be asked to “sign” the form electronically, attesting under penalty of perjury that the information you provided is true and that you are the person who used the account. Once you click submit, you should receive a confirmation number. Save this number for your records.
Important Deadlines to Remember
In any class action settlement, timing is everything. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to claim a payment and your right to sue the company individually for these specific claims in the future.
- Claim Filing Deadline: This is the last day you can submit your form. Be sure to check the official settlement site for the exact date, as these are strictly enforced.
- Exclusion Deadline: If you wish to keep your right to sue Rakuten Viki on your own, you must “opt-out” or exclude yourself by this date.
- Objection Deadline: If you think the settlement is unfair, you can file an objection with the court by this date.
- Final Approval Hearing: The court will hold a hearing to decide whether to give final approval to the settlement. Payments are only sent out after this hearing and after any potential appeals are resolved.
What Happens If You Do Nothing?
If you do nothing, you will not receive a payment. Furthermore, you will give up your right to ever sue Rakuten Viki for the privacy claims addressed in this lawsuit. Even if you don’t think the payment will be large, it is usually worth the few minutes it takes to file a claim to protect your rights as a consumer.
Final Thoughts on the Settlement
The Rakuten Viki VPPA settlement is a reminder of the importance of digital privacy and the laws that protect it. By participating in the settlement, you are holding companies accountable for how they handle your personal data. The process is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to claim what you are owed with minimal effort.
Once you have submitted your claim, patience is required. It often takes several months after the final approval hearing for checks or digital payments to be distributed. In the meantime, you can continue to check the administrator’s website for updates on the case status. For more information on protecting your online privacy or navigating other consumer rights issues, feel free to explore our other guides on digital security and legal settlements.