If you have used the Viki streaming service, you may be eligible for a cash payment as part of a recent class action settlement. The lawsuit involves allegations regarding the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) and how user data was handled. Filing a claim is a straightforward process, but it requires you to act before the established legal deadline.
Understanding the Viki VPPA Settlement
The Viki VPPA settlement is the result of a class action lawsuit that alleged the streaming platform shared users’ viewing histories with third parties without proper consent. Specifically, the lawsuit claimed that Viki utilized tracking tools, such as the Meta Pixel, to send information about the videos users watched to Facebook.
The Video Privacy Protection Act is a federal law designed to prevent “video tape service providers” from disclosing personally identifiable information about the materials a customer requests or obtains. While Viki denies any wrongdoing and maintains that it did not violate the law, the company has agreed to a settlement to avoid the costs and uncertainties of a prolonged trial.
This settlement creates a fund that will be used to pay eligible users, cover administrative costs, and pay legal fees. For users, this represents an opportunity to receive a portion of the settlement fund if they meet the specific eligibility criteria defined by the court.
Who Is Eligible to File a Claim?
Eligibility for a class action settlement is strictly defined. You are generally considered a “Class Member” if you reside in the United States and used the Viki service during a specific timeframe. For this particular settlement, the relevant period typically covers several years leading up to the preliminary approval of the deal.
To qualify, you must have had a Viki account and viewed video content on the platform. Many eligible users receive an email or a postcard notice containing a unique Claim ID and PIN. However, even if you did not receive a notice, you may still be eligible to file a claim if you meet the residency and usage requirements.
Criteria for Eligibility
- You must be a resident of the United States.
- You must have accessed the Viki website or mobile application.
- You must have viewed video content during the class period (check the official settlement site for the exact date range).
- You must submit a valid claim form by the deadline.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Claim
Filing a claim is the only way to receive a payment from the settlement. The process is designed to be user-friendly and can be completed entirely online. Follow these steps to ensure your claim is submitted correctly.
Step 1: Locate Your Notice
If you were identified as a potential class member, you likely received an email or a physical letter. This notice is important because it contains a unique Claim ID and PIN. Having these numbers makes the filing process much faster, as they automatically link your account to the settlement database.
Step 2: Visit the Official Settlement Website
Navigate to the official settlement portal. This is the only secure location where you should enter your information. Avoid third-party sites that ask for a fee to file your claim; legitimate class action settlements never charge you to participate.
Step 3: Enter Your Information
On the claim form page, you will be asked for your Claim ID and PIN. If you do not have these, there is usually an option to file a claim manually by providing your name, address, and the email address associated with your Viki account. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays in processing.
Step 4: Select Your Payment Method
Modern settlements often provide several ways to receive your money. You can typically choose between digital options like PayPal, Venmo, or a digital prepaid card. If you prefer a traditional method, you can usually request a paper check mailed to your home address.
Step 5: Attest and Submit
Before submitting, you will need to sign the form electronically. By signing, you are swearing under penalty of perjury that the information you provided is true and that you are the person entitled to the claim. Once submitted, keep a copy of your confirmation number for your records.
Important Deadlines to Remember
In legal settlements, timing is everything. There are three critical dates you should be aware of to protect your rights. If you miss these windows, you may lose the ability to collect payment or legal recourse.
The Claim Filing Deadline
This is the most important date for most users. You must submit your claim form by this date to be eligible for a payment. Claims submitted after the deadline are typically rejected by the settlement administrator.
The Exclusion Deadline
If you wish to sue Viki individually for these specific claims, you must “opt-out” or exclude yourself from the settlement. By doing this, you give up your right to a payment from this fund but retain your right to pursue your own legal action. If you do nothing, you are automatically included in the settlement and give up your right to sue.
The Objection Deadline
If you disagree with the terms of the settlement, the amount of the attorneys’ fees, or the way the money is being distributed, you can file an objection with the court. This allows you to stay in the settlement while voicing your concerns to the judge overseeing the case.
How Much Money Will You Receive?
The exact amount of each payment is not fixed. It depends on several variables that will not be finalized until after all claims are processed. The settlement fund is a “pro-rata” fund, meaning the money is divided among everyone who files a valid claim.
Factors that influence the final payment amount include:
- The total size of the settlement fund after legal and administrative fees are deducted.
- The total number of valid claims submitted by class members.
- The court’s final approval of the settlement terms.
Generally, if many people file claims, the individual payment amount decreases. If fewer people file, the individual amount increases. You should not expect a life-changing sum, but these settlements often provide a meaningful amount for consumers whose privacy rights were potentially impacted.
What Happens After You File?
After you submit your claim, the settlement administrator will review it for validity. This process can take several months. Once the filing deadline passes, the court will hold a Final Fairness Hearing. During this hearing, the judge decides whether to officially approve the settlement.
If the settlement is approved, there may still be a waiting period if anyone files an appeal. Payments are only distributed after the settlement becomes “final” and all appeals are resolved. Patience is necessary, as it often takes six months to a year from the filing deadline to receive your funds.
Final Thoughts on the Viki Settlement
Participating in a class action settlement is a simple way to exercise your rights as a consumer. By filing a claim in the Viki VPPA settlement, you are helping to hold companies accountable for how they handle personal data and viewing habits. Make sure to check your email for a notice, gather your account details, and submit your form before the deadline passes.
If you found this guide helpful, you may want to explore our other articles on consumer protection and how to navigate online privacy settings. Staying informed is the best way to protect your digital footprint and ensure you are compensated when your privacy is at stake.