KSE Sportsman Media $9.5M Settlement for Privacy Violations

TL;DR

Who Benefits?: The Settlement Class includes 14,503 direct buyers whose subscription information was revealed to third parties between June 16, 2015, and July 30, 2016.

How much can I get?: Class Members can receive an estimated $420 from the $9,500,000.00 Settlement Fund.

Analysis of the Settlement Amount

The Settlement Fund of $9,500,000.00 has been established to compensate the affected Class Members. This fund not only covers the payments to Class Members but also the costs associated with administering the settlement, informing people about it, attorneys' fees, litigation costs, and awards to the Class Representatives. The exact amount each Class Member will receive is subject to the number of exclusions received by the Settlement Administrator.

Class Counsel anticipates that each Class Member will receive approximately $420. However, this amount could vary depending on the final number of Class Members and the amount allocated for other expenses from the Settlement Fund.

In addition, KSE has agreed not to disclose the subscription information of any Michigan-based subscribers to its publications going forward.

Important Dates

The following are key dates that Class Members should be aware of:

• Fairness Hearing: Scheduled for January 4, 2024.
• Deadline to File a Claim: January 4, 2024, for those who did not receive a Notice via postcard.

Who Are the Settlement Class Members?

Class Members are defined as the 14,503 direct purchasers whose information was included on lists obtained during discovery and transmitted to third parties within the specified period.

These individuals are reflected on the Class List, which was determined through the discovery process. Class Members who are unsure of their status can contact the Settlement Administrator for confirmation.

Exclusions from the Settlement Class include judges or magistrates presiding over the action, members of their families, the Defendant and its affiliates, and those who have timely requested exclusion from the class.

Details of the Awards Class Members Can Claim

Class Members who do not exclude themselves from the Settlement are eligible to receive a pro-rata share of the Settlement Fund. While the estimated amount is approximately $420 per Class Member, this amount can change based on the number of Class Members and the final costs deducted from the Settlement Fund.

• Pro Rata Share: Each Class Member's share will be proportionate to the total number of eligible Class Members.

The Subject of the Settlement

The Settlement addresses allegations that KSE disclosed its customers' magazine subscription information to third parties, which is claimed to be a violation of Michigan's Preservation of Personal Privacy Act (PPPA).

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Class Members who received a Notice via postcard do not need to submit a claim to receive payment. However, those who did not receive a Notice must submit a Claim Form by the specified deadline. Furthermore, if an individual received a Notice and would like to obtain a payment via PayPal or Venmo, they can also file an Election Form.

Why Is There a Class Action Settlement?

The class action settlement arises from allegations that KSE unlawfully disclosed subscription information of its customers. The settlement avoids the uncertainties and expenses associated with ongoing litigation, providing a prompt resolution for affected Class Members.

The settlement represents a compromise between the parties, with KSE agreeing to cease the alleged privacy violations and compensating affected individuals.