If you have spent time watching videos on Forbes.com over the last few years, you may be entitled to a cash payment. A class action settlement has been reached regarding allegations that Forbes violated the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by sharing user data with third parties without proper consent. This settlement provides a way for affected users to seek compensation for privacy concerns.
Understanding legal settlements can often feel overwhelming, but the process for the Forbes VPPA settlement is designed to be straightforward for the average consumer. In this guide, we will break down what the settlement is about, who qualifies for a payment, and the specific steps you need to take to file your claim before the deadline.
Understanding the Forbes VPPA Settlement
The Video Privacy Protection Act is a federal law enacted in the late 1980s. Its primary purpose is to prevent companies that provide video services from disclosing a person’s video viewing history to third parties without their explicit, written consent. While the law was originally written for video rental stores, courts have recently applied it to modern digital media companies that host video content on their websites.
The lawsuit against Forbes alleged that the company used tracking technologies, specifically the Meta Pixel, to share information about the videos users watched on Forbes.com with Facebook. The plaintiffs argued that this occurred without the users’ permission, which would constitute a violation of the VPPA. Forbes has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to a $2.85 million settlement to resolve the litigation and avoid the costs of a lengthy trial.
Are You Eligible for a Payment?
Eligibility is the most important factor to consider before you begin the filing process. Not everyone who has visited Forbes.com is eligible for a portion of the settlement fund. To qualify as a class member, you generally must meet several specific criteria based on your online activity during a certain timeframe.
The Eligibility Criteria
- Location: You must be a resident of the United States.
- Platform Usage: You must have visited the Forbes website and viewed video content on a device while also having an active Facebook account.
- Timeframe: Your video viewing on Forbes.com must have occurred between April 1, 2021, and April 14, 2023.
- Data Sharing: The core of the claim is that your viewing data and your Facebook ID were shared with Meta through the tracking pixel during this period.
If you meet these requirements, you are considered a member of the settlement class. Many eligible individuals may have already received a notice via email or mail containing a specific Notice ID and Confirmation Code. However, even if you did not receive a notice, you may still be able to file a claim if you believe you meet the criteria.
How to File Your Claim Step-by-Step
Filing a claim is the only way to receive a cash payment from the settlement. If you do nothing, you will not receive any money, and you will give up your right to sue Forbes individually for these specific privacy claims in the future. Follow these steps to ensure your claim is submitted correctly.
Step 1: Locate Your Notice ID
If you received an email regarding the settlement, look for a unique Notice ID and Confirmation Code. Having these numbers makes the process much faster because the system can pre-populate your information. If you do not have these codes, you can still proceed by providing your contact information manually.
Step 2: Visit the Official Settlement Website
Navigate to the official claims portal established by the settlement administrator. It is important to only use the official site to avoid potential scams. On the homepage, you will typically find a button labeled “Submit a Claim” or “File a Claim Form.”
Step 3: Complete the Claim Form
You will be asked to provide your name, current mailing address, and the email address associated with your Facebook account. If you are filing without a Notice ID, you may need to attest under penalty of perjury that you watched videos on Forbes.com during the relevant period while being a Facebook user.
Step 4: Select Your Payment Method
One of the benefits of modern class action settlements is the variety of payment options. You can usually choose to receive your payment via digital methods like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal. If you prefer a traditional method, you can request a physical check to be mailed to your home address.
Step 5: Submit and Save Your Confirmation
Once you have filled out all the required fields, submit the form. Make sure to save or print the confirmation page that appears afterward. This page will contain your claim number, which you will need if you ever need to follow up on the status of your payment.
Important Deadlines to Remember
In any class action settlement, timing is critical. There are several key dates that you must be aware of to ensure your rights are protected. Missing a deadline usually means you lose the opportunity to participate in the settlement or object to its terms.
- Claim Submission Deadline: This is the most important date for most people. All claim forms must be submitted online or postmarked by the specified deadline (often several months after the settlement is initially announced).
- Exclusion Deadline: If you wish to keep your right to sue Forbes on your own, you must “opt-out” or exclude yourself by this date.
- Objection Deadline: If you disagree with the terms of the settlement or the amount of attorney fees, you must file a formal objection by this date.
- Final Approval Hearing: This is when the court decides whether to officially approve the settlement. Payments are not distributed until after this hearing and after any potential appeals are resolved.
How Much Money Can You Expect?
The total settlement fund is $2.85 million. However, this amount is not distributed entirely to class members. Before the money is divided among claimants, deductions are made for administrative costs, legal fees, and potential service awards for the original plaintiffs who started the lawsuit.
The remaining amount is divided equally among everyone who filed a valid claim. Because the final number of claimants is unknown until the deadline passes, it is impossible to predict the exact payment amount. In similar VPPA settlements, individual payouts have ranged from $10 to $50, though these figures can vary significantly based on participation rates.
Why Privacy Settlements Matter
While the individual payout from a class action settlement might seem small, these cases serve a larger purpose in the digital age. They hold large corporations accountable for how they handle consumer data. By participating in the settlement, you are sending a message that digital privacy is important and that companies must be transparent about who they share your information with.
The VPPA, in particular, is a powerful tool for protecting consumers. As we move more of our entertainment and news consumption online, the protection of our viewing habits becomes a vital part of our overall digital footprint. These settlements often lead to changes in company policies, such as the removal of tracking pixels or the implementation of clearer consent forms.
Conclusion
Taking a few minutes to file a claim for the Forbes VPPA settlement is a simple way to exercise your rights as a consumer. If you watched videos on Forbes while logged into Facebook between April 2021 and April 2023, you have a legitimate stake in this legal resolution. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that you are included in the distribution of the settlement fund.
Remember to keep an eye on your email for updates from the settlement administrator regarding the final approval and the timing of payments. If you found this guide helpful, we encourage you to explore our other articles on consumer rights, digital privacy, and how to navigate common online legal processes to stay informed and protected.