In recent years, digital privacy has become a major concern as people become more aware of how companies use their personal information. AMC Networks, Inc., known for its streaming services, faced a class action lawsuit over privacy violations. The case claimed AMC shared personal data with third-party trackers without permission, potentially breaking the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). This article covers the details of the AMC class action settlement, including payment dates, eligibility, and what claimants can expect to receive.
AMC VPPA Lawsuit Settlement
The AMC class action lawsuit is a significant case focusing on privacy violations. The controversy involves AMC’s streaming services: AMC+, Shudder, Acorn TV, ALLBLK, SundanceNow, and HIDIVE. The lawsuit covers the period from January 18, 2021, to January 10, 2024. During this time, AMC allegedly shared users’ personal information with third parties without their consent.
Eligibility for the AMC+ VPPA Settlement Class Action
To be eligible for the AMC VPPA settlement, individuals must meet the following criteria:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | You must be a resident of the United States. This ensures the settlement applies to people within the jurisdiction where the lawsuit was filed. |
| Registration | You need to be a registered user of at least one of the AMC services mentioned above (AMC+, Shudder, Acorn TV, ALLBLK, SundanceNow, or HIDIVE). |
| Activity | You must have requested or watched video content from these services between January 18, 2021, and January 10, 2024. |
| Exclusions | If you have already pursued separate legal action for similar privacy issues, you are not eligible for this settlement. This rule prevents individuals from receiving double compensation. |
What Does the AMC VPPA Settlement Provide?
The settlement, valued at $8.3 million, includes several benefits for eligible claimants:
| Settlement Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monetary Compensation | After covering legal fees and other costs, the settlement fund will be distributed among class members. Each person with a valid claim will receive a share of this fund. |
| Digital Subscription | Each eligible class member will get a one-week digital subscription to AMC+. |
| Data Privacy Changes | AMC must update its practices to prevent unauthorized sharing of video content information. This includes suspending or modifying tracking technologies like the Meta Pixel. |
AMC Settlement Timeline and Key Events
Here are important dates related to the settlement:
| Key Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Claim Submission Deadline | April 9, 2024 | Last day to submit a claim form for compensation. |
| Exclusion Deadline | April 9, 2024 | Deadline to opt out and keep the right to sue AMC. |
| Objection Deadline | April 9, 2024 | Last day to object to the settlement terms. |
| Final Approval Hearing | May 16, 2024 | Court hearing to approve the settlement. |
| Settlement Final Approval | May 16, 2024 | Date when the settlement is officially approved. |
| Payment and In-Kind Relief Distribution | August 24, 2024 | Date when payments and AMC+ subscriptions are given out. |
AMC must also confirm that it has updated its data privacy practices within 90 days of the final judgment.
AMC Settlement Claim Process
To be eligible for compensation, affected users needed to submit a Claim Form by April 9, 2024. This form was the only way to receive a payment from the settlement. If you did not submit the form, you lost the right to compensation but could still sue AMC separately for similar issues.
Conclusion
The AMC class action settlement represents a significant step in addressing privacy concerns in the digital age. With a total settlement amount of $8.3 million, affected users who meet the eligibility criteria can expect both financial compensation and improvements in AMC’s privacy practices. This settlement underscores the importance of protecting user data and ensuring companies adhere to privacy laws.
FAQ’s
What is the AMC class action settlement about?
The AMC class action settlement addresses privacy concerns related to AMC Networks’ streaming services. The lawsuit claimed AMC shared users’ personal data with third-party trackers without consent, potentially violating privacy laws. The settlement, valued at $8.3 million, aims to compensate affected users and improve AMC’s data privacy practices.
Who is eligible to receive compensation from the AMC settlement?
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. resident who was a registered user of AMC+, Shudder, Acorn TV, ALLBLK, SundanceNow, or HIDIVE between January 18, 2021, and January 10, 2024. You also need to have requested or watched content from these services during this period.
When will the settlement payments be distributed?
Settlement payments and one-week AMC+ subscriptions will be distributed on August 24, 2024. Ensure you submitted your claim form by April 9, 2024, to receive your share of the compensation.