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What is the VideoPrivacyProtectionAct(VPPA)?

The Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) is a federal law designed to protect your right to privacy when it comes to video rental and viewing history. Enacted in 1988, the VPPA prohibits companies from sharing personally identifiable information (PII) about what you watch without your explicit consent. While originally applied to physical video rentals, the law has evolved to include modern streaming platforms, apps, and digital video services.

If a company has shared your video viewing data without your permission, you may have a case under the VPPA.

How Does the VPPA ProtectYou?

The VPPA ensures that companies collecting, storing, or sharing your video viewing history adhere to strict privacy standards. It prohibits:

  • Sharing Your Data Without Consent: Companies must obtain your explicit, written consent before disclosing your viewing history to third parties.
  • Improper Use of Tracking Technology: Platforms cannot use tracking pixels, cookies, or analytics tools to share your viewing habits with advertisers or other entities without permission.
  • Retaining Data Indefinitely: The VPPA requires companies to destroy personally identifiable information once it is no longer necessary for the original purpose.

Violations of these protections may entitle you to seek compensation through a lawsuit.

How Do VPPA ViolationsHappen?

VPPA violations often involve companies failing to adapt their security practices to current standards. Common examples include:

  • Streaming Platforms: Sharing viewing data with advertisers, analytics providers, or social media platforms like Facebook without obtaining user consent.
  • Mobile Apps: Combining video viewing data with user location, device IDs, or other data for targeted advertising.
  • Improper Data Collection: Using tracking tools, such as pixels or cookies, to collect and share viewing history without notifying or obtaining consent from users.

If you suspect your video viewing data has been shared without permission, you may have a legal claim. Take our quiz below to see if you qualify.

How Do VPPA Violations Happen?

Who Can File a VPPALawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a VPPA lawsuit if:
  • You’ve used a streaming service, app, or video rental platform that shared your viewing data with third parties without your consent.
  • You’ve noticed targeted ads or unusual activity that could indicate your video viewing habits were disclosed.
  • You were not informed about how your data would be used when you signed up for a video service or downloaded an app.
Take the quiz to learn whether you might have a case under the VPPA.

Compensation Available in VPPALawsuits

Under the VPPA, you may be entitled to:
  • Statutory Damages: A minimum of $2,500 per violation.
  • Punitive Damages: Additional compensation if the company’s actions were willful or egregious.
  • Attorney Fees: Coverage of legal costs incurred in pursuing the case.
  • Injunctive Relief: Court orders requiring companies to stop illegal practices and improve privacy protections.
Do you qualify for compensation? Take the quiz to find out.

How to Protect YourPrivacyRights

If you suspect a company has violated your video privacy, here are steps you can take:
  1. Review the Privacy Policy: Check the platform’s terms and policies for potential violations.
  2. Document Evidence: Save screenshots or records of any unusual ads, notifications, or settings changes.
Understand Your Rights: The VPPA offers robust protections—take the quiz to see if you have a valid claim.

Take the Quiz to Learn Your LegalOptions

Think your video privacy rights have been violated? Take our quick and confidential quiz to find out if you may have a case under the VPPA. By answering a few simple questions, you’ll gain insights into your potential claim and the next steps to take. Start the quiz now to explore your legal options.

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