If you held a Crunchyroll subscription from September 8, 2020, to September 20, 2023, and you’re concerned about receiving compensation from Crunchyroll due to a potential breach of your private information, you’re in the right spot. This guide will walk you through the steps to secure your compensation.
Crunchyroll Class Action Lawsuit – what is it?
In September 2022, due to the Crunchyroll class action lawsuit, it was accused of violating the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). The lawsuit alleged that Crunchyroll shared subscribers’ personally identifiable information (PII) with companies like Facebook, Google Analytics, and Adobe Analytics without consent, breaching the VPPA, which forbids such disclosures for marketing or selling purposes.
Crunchyroll denied the allegations, but in October 2023, the company agreed to settle the lawsuit for $16 million. Under the terms of the settlement, Crunchyroll will pay out a portion of the settlement fund to eligible subscribers. The amount of each payout will depend on the number of eligible subscribers who file claims. However, estimates suggest that each payout is likely to be around $30.
How to get the Crunchyroll settlement if you had a subscription
In the following section, we’ve addressed some common questions you may have had regarding the Crunchyroll settlement:
Am I a Settlement Class Member?
According to available records, you may indeed be one. The term “Settlement Class” pertains to all individuals in the United States who, between September 8, 2020, and September 20, 2023, were registered users of any online website, mobile app, or video-on-demand service owned, controlled, and/or operated by Crunchyroll. This includes those who viewed videos on these platforms during that period.
What Can I Get?
- If the Court gives its approval, the Defendant will set up a Settlement Fund of $16,000,000 for the benefit of the Settlement Class.
- This money will be distributed equally among Settlement Class Members who submit valid claims, after accounting for Court-approved fees, awards to Class Representatives, and the expenses of managing the settlement, including taxes.
How Do I Get a Payment?
The exact amount of each payout will depend on the number of eligible subscribers who file claims. However, estimates suggest that each payout is likely to be around $30.
- To secure your settlement, it’s crucial to submit a fully filled-out Claim Form before the deadline of December 12, 2023. You can easily file your claim by clicking here.
- To file a claim, you will need to provide your Class member ID, log in, and then fill out the form.
- If you are eligible for the settlement, you will receive a payment by check or PayPal within 90 days of the final approval hearing, which is scheduled for December 19, 2023.
- If you have any questions about the settlement or how to file a claim, you can contact the settlement administrator.
Here are some additional tips for filing a claim:
- Make sure that you have all of the required information before you start the process. This includes your name, address, phone number, email address, and the email address associated with your Crunchyroll account.
- Be sure to read and understand the claim form carefully before you submit it.
- If you have any questions about the claim form or the settlement process, contact the settlement administrator.
- Keep a copy of your completed claim form for your records.
What are my other options?
You have a few options here:
- If you want to be completely out of the Settlement Class, you need to send a letter to the Settlement Administrator before November 27, 2023. If you choose this, you won’t receive a Settlement payment, but you keep your right to sue the Defendant separately for the issues in this case.
- If you disagree with the proposed Settlement, you can raise an objection. You or your lawyer can even appear before the Court to express your concerns. Your written objection must be submitted by November 27, 2023. You can find detailed instructions on how to exclude yourself or object to the Settlement here.
- If you don’t file a claim or take any action, and the Court approves the Settlement, you’ll be bound by the Court’s decisions and judgments. Furthermore, any claims you might have against the Defendant related to this case will be released.
Conclusion
The settlement is pending court approval but is expected to be confirmed shortly. Once finalized, eligible subscribers will receive their portion of the settlement fund.
This case underscores the significance of privacy and the necessity for companies to be clear about how they handle Personally Identifiable Information (PII). It also highlights that you have legal options if you believe your privacy rights have been violated.
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