Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. d/b/a Crunchyroll $16,000,000 Settlement

A class action lawsuit, Beltran et al. v. Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. d/b/a Crunchyroll, has been settled, with the defendant agreeing to compensate eligible class members. The lawsuit alleged that Crunchyroll, a popular online anime streaming service, disclosed its subscribers' personally identifiable information (PII) to third parties without their consent, violating the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). Crunchyroll, while denying any wrongdoing, has chosen to settle the case to avoid the uncertainties and expenses of continued litigation.

A Closer Look at the Crunchyroll Settlement Amount

The exact settlement amount is not yet known, but Class Counsel anticipates it to be approximately $30.00 per eligible class member. The settlement amount will be divided pro rata among all valid claims submitted by eligible class members. This means that the actual amount each class member receives may vary depending on the total number of claims submitted.

Key Dates to Remember

• Deadline to File a Claim: The deadline to submit a claim is December 12, 2023. It's crucial to file your claim before this date to ensure you receive your share of the settlement.
• Final Approval Date: The Final Approval Hearing is scheduled for December 19, 2023. At this hearing, the Court will determine the fairness and adequacy of the settlement.
  

Who Are the Beneficiaries of the Settlement?

The settlement benefits all persons in the United States who were registered users of Crunchyroll's online platforms and viewed videos from September 8, 2020, through September 20, 2023. If you fall into this category, you are considered a class member and are eligible to submit a claim for a share of the settlement.

What Can Class Members Claim?

Eligible class members can claim a pro rata share of the Settlement Fund, which is estimated to be approximately $30.00 per class member. The actual amount may vary depending on the total number of valid claims submitted.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. However, the specific requirements for proof have not been specified on the official settlement website. It's recommended to keep any documents or records related to your Crunchyroll subscription as they may be required when submitting your claim.

Why Is There a Class Action Settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleges that Crunchyroll disclosed its subscribers' personally identifiable information (PII) to third parties without their consent, in violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). The VPPA defines PII as information that identifies a specific person as having requested or obtained specific video materials or services from a video tape service provider. Crunchyroll denies any wrongdoing but has agreed to settle the case to avoid the uncertainties and expenses of continued litigation. If you're an eligible class member, it's important to submit your claim before the December 12, 2023 deadline to receive your share of the settlement.