AMC Networks has agreed to pay $8.3 million to settle a lawsuit with subscribers related to privacy issues. The lawsuit claimed that AMC violated the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by using a tracking tool from Facebook’s parent company, Meta. This tool reportedly collected personal information from users without their consent.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was started by a New York resident last year. The complaint was that AMC used Meta’s tracking pixel on its streaming platforms. This pixel allegedly gathered personal details from viewers without their clear permission, which goes against the VPPA.
Settlement Agreement
In August 2024, AMC agreed to settle the lawsuit with an $8.3 million payment. Even though AMC did not admit to doing anything wrong, they decided to settle to avoid the cost and uncertainty of a long court case.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
If you used AMC’s streaming services like AMC Plus, Acorn TV, ALLBLK, HiDive, Shudder, or Sundance Now between January 18, 2021, and January 10, 2024, you might be able to get compensation. To be eligible, you must file a claim by April 9, 2024. The amount you receive will depend on how many claims are filed, along with any deductions for legal fees.
Eligible subscribers will also receive a one-week free subscription to AMC Plus.
How to File a Claim
To receive compensation, you must submit a valid claim by April 9, 2024. AMC will send notifications with unique codes to previous customers, but you can still file a claim even without this code. Instructions and the claim form are available online.
Changes Made by AMC
As part of the settlement, AMC has agreed to remove the Meta tracking pixel from its services. They have also promised to stop using similar third-party tracking tools, showing their commitment to protecting user privacy.
Court Approval
The settlement is expected to receive court approval on May 16, 2024. This approval will officially end the legal dispute over these privacy issues.
The settlement highlights the importance of user consent when collecting personal data. It also provides affected AMC subscribers with compensation and better privacy protections in the future.
1. What was the lawsuit against AMC Networks about?
The lawsuit claimed that AMC violated privacy laws by using a tracking pixel from Meta to collect personal information without user consent.
2. Who can get compensation from the settlement?
Subscribers who used certain AMC streaming services between January 18, 2021, and January 10, 2024, may be eligible for compensation.
3. How do I file a claim?
You need to submit a claim online by April 9, 2024. AMC will send out notifications with codes, but you can file without them.
4. What changes did AMC agree to make?
AMC has agreed to remove the Meta tracking pixel from its services and stop using similar tracking tools.
5. When will the court approve the settlement?
The court is expected to approve the settlement on May 16, 2024, which will officially close the case.