Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC $4,000,000 Settlement

Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC has reached a settlement in the class action lawsuit, Ambrose v. Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. The lawsuit was centered around allegations of the media company violating the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by disclosing its subscribers' personally identifiable information (PII) to Facebook without consent. The settlement, which received final approval on September 8, 2023, has a fund totaling $4,000,000.

Detailed Analysis of the $4,000,000 Settlement

The settlement fund of $4,000,000 was established to provide monetary relief to the affected class members. The fund is designed to compensate those who had a digital subscription to the Boston Globe, a home delivery subscription to the Boston Globe with digital access, or viewed videos on Boston Globe's website from February 5, 2020, to May 25, 2023.

The settlement was reached after a thorough investigation and negotiation process. It was deemed to be in the best interest of the class members, providing them with immediate and certain relief. The settlement was finally approved by the court on September 8, 2023.

Important Dates

• Fairness and Final Approval Hearing: The fairness hearing was held on September 7, 2023.
• Deadline to File a Claim: The deadline to file a claim was October 23, 2023.
  

Who Are the Class Members?

The class members in this lawsuit are all persons in the United States who, from February 5, 2020, to and through May 25, 2023, have or had a Facebook account, a digital subscription to the Boston Globe, or a home delivery subscription to the Boston Globe that includes digital access and who viewed videos on Boston Globe's website.

This broad definition encompasses a large number of individuals. It includes not just those who subscribed to the Boston Globe's digital or home delivery services, but also those who viewed videos on the Boston Globe's website while logged into their Facebook account during the specified period.

What Can Class Members Claim?

Class Members will receive a pro rata portion of the Settlement Fund, estimated to be approximately $20-40. The exact amount will depend on the number of valid claims submitted.

In addition to the monetary award, Class Members will be eligible to receive an extension of their existing digital subscription to the Boston Globe for up to 7 days past its current expiration date. This additional benefit provides continued access to the Boston Globe's digital content.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. However, the specific requirements for the proof are not specified in the settlement details.

Why Is There a Class Action Settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleges that Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC violated the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by disclosing its subscribers' personally identifiable information (PII) to Facebook via the Facebook Tracking Pixel without consent. The settlement was reached to avoid the uncertainties and costs associated with a prolonged legal battle. It provides immediate and certain relief to the affected class members.