You qualify for a VPPA class action settlement only if you fit its class definition for site, dates, and activity. That written definition controls eligibility, not general concern about video privacy. The Video Privacy Protection Act is a federal law that protects the privacy of video viewers. Most recent cases ask whether a website shared what you watched with another company.
Official resources:
- Check eligibility on Cornell’s official study page — Use this page to check the study’s participation requirements.
- Read the official notice from Aarpsettlement — Use this primary source to verify the official announcement.
Table of Contents
- What does the law cover?
- Were you a covered consumer?
- Was your viewing allegedly shared?
- How do you get paid or preserve rights?
What does the law cover?
The Cornell Legal Information Institute publishes the current text of 18 U.S.C. Section 2710, which bars a video tape service provider from knowingly disclosing personally identifiable information without qualifying consent or another statutory exception.
The disclosure must go to a third party. The same Cornell text defines consumer as any renter, purchaser, or subscriber of goods or services from the provider. It defines personally identifiable information as information identifying a person as having requested or obtained specific video materials or services.
Were you a covered consumer?
Courts have read subscriber broadly. Benesch law firm analysis explains in its analysis of the Second Circuit ruling that Salazar v. NBA held on Oct. 15, 2024 that a paid purchase is not required. Providing an email or other value for an account or newsletter can qualify.
Still, you must match the settlement at issue. The AARP settlement administrator states in its settlement FAQ that its $12.5 million deal covers U.S. people who requested video on AARP.org from Sept. 27, 2020 to Sept. 12, 2025 while having both a Facebook account and AARP membership or registration. Another settlement will name different dates, conduct, and accounts.
Was your viewing allegedly shared?
Duane Morris LLP explains in its January 2023 alert that recent suits allege a site's Meta/Facebook pixel sent the viewer's Facebook ID plus the specific video watched to Meta. The claimed violation is disclosure without informed written consent.
Coverage is also narrow by defendant type. WilmerHale's January 2026 review explains that the law reaches only businesses engaged in rental, sale, or delivery of audiovisual materials. A site with only incidental video or an audiovisual experience may fall outside that scope.
How do you get paid or preserve rights?
Read the notice and FAQ for your settlement first. Confirm the website, date range, video request, Facebook-account status, and membership or registration requirement.
The AARP settlement administrator's FAQ explains the usual options: file a timely claim, opt out, or object. Use this quick check: Late, incomplete, or mismatched claims can fail. Keep a copy of your confirmation and watch for payment updates after final approval.
- Find the claim deadline and filing method, online or mailed.
- Have your notice ID or PIN ready before you start.
- File by the deadline because doing nothing yields no payment.
- Opt out only if you want to preserve a separate lawsuit.
- Object only if you want the court to reject the deal.