Data Privacy Attorney
INVESTIGATING USER DATA SHARING & VPPA VIOLATION CLAIMS
The Lyon Firm is investigating invasion of privacy claims against websites and media providers who violate VPPA protections. Contact a consumer privacy lawyer and seek compensation.
Consumer safety attorneys are taking on new class action data privacy violation cases every day. While companies collect, store, share, and sell your personal data, consumers often see their privacy compromised.
Many consumers and plaintiffs have recently wondered whether or not it is legal for websites to collect and share your viewing history and other data with third parties. The answer is you have rights as a consumer, and any violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988 (VPPA) can lead to legal action.
Attorneys have been investigating social media companies and several websites for improperly disclosing users’ personally identifiable information to third parties without notifying users or obtaining explicit consent.
If you have visited a particular website, watched a video and suspect the company may have shared that information with another company, contact us for a free consultation.
Personal data violations can be the basis for class action data sharing lawsuits, and The Lyon Firm aims to protect consumer privacy rights. If you have been the target of data sharing or VPPA violations, call for a free consultation. You may be eligible to join existing data privacy class actions and compensation may be available. Contact The Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 to decide on the best course of action for you.
Do I Have a VPPA Claim?
When a user watches a video on a website or app, the providers have the ability to collect and share your user viewing history and other personal data with third parties. This data can be very valuable for a company, though also could be illegal. Data sharing without a user’s knowledge or consent may infringe on your VPPA rights.
The VPPA allows plaintiffs to sue a person or entity that discloses “personally identifying information,” but not the receiving party.
Class action privacy lawsuits have been filed against Hulu, Facebook, ESPN, Netflix and other media providers.
What Is the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA)?
The Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988 (VPPA) regulates the disclosure of information about consumers’ consumption of video content, imposing requirements to obtain consumers’ consent.
Online video content providers have a duty to adhere to federal privacy laws, and make it clear to consumers what data they collect and how they use it.
The VPPA was originally enacted to regulate “video tape service providers,” but is still helpful in the protection of more modern media content delivery methods and platforms. Lawyers still stress the importance of “informed, written consent” for companies that collect and sell viewing histories and cookie data sets.
Congress amended the VPPA in 2013 to provide that disclosure to third parties is not unlawful if a consumer elects to give “informed, written consent.”
Users also must be given an opt-out, or the opportunity, in a clear and conspicuous manner, to elect to withdraw from ongoing disclosures.
The VPPA carries statutory damages of $2,500 per violation and potentially punitive damages. Contact The Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 to discuss your legal rights and options.
VPPA Litigation: When to Join a Video Privacy Protection Act Class Action Lawsuit
Class action lawsuits related to the VPPA typically arise when companies are accused of unlawfully disclosing or using consumers’ video viewing information.
If you believe that your rights under the VPPA have been violated and you’re considering joining a class action lawsuit, there are several factors to consider:
- Notification: You may become aware of a VPPA class action lawsuit through various means, such as receiving a notice in the mail, seeing a public announcement, or being contacted by a law firm representing the class.
- Potential Recovery: Consider the potential recovery if the lawsuit is successful. This could include monetary damages or other forms of relief. Keep in mind that not all class members may receive the same amount of compensation.
- Legal Representation: Decide whether you want to join the lawsuit independently or seek legal representation. A lawyer experienced in consumer protection or class action lawsuits can provide valuable guidance and representation throughout the process.
- Opting In or Out: In some class action lawsuits, you may have the option to opt in or opt out of the class. Opting in means you join the lawsuit as a member of the class seeking damages or other relief. Opting out means you choose not to participate and preserve your right to pursue an individual case if you wish.
- Statute of Limitations: Be mindful of the statute of limitations, which is the time limit for filing a claim. Missing the deadline could prevent you from participating in the lawsuit or seeking individual remedies later.
It’s crucial to make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances and consult with legal professionals if needed. Class action lawsuits can vary widely in terms of complexity, duration, and outcomes, so understanding your rights and options is essential.
What Is Computer-Based VPPA Litigation?
More recently, as online video services have exploded in popularity, consumer privacy claims have grown more frequent. Voracious video content consumption on social media and other websites provides an opportunity for consumers, but also potential privacy pitfalls.
The bottom line is online platforms that share user data with third parties must have the consent of users to do so.
There are exceptions, that can be further explained by your personal privacy lawyer. The VPPA permits the sharing of information about the user if the disclosure does not identify the title, description, or subject matter of the material. The subject matter of materials, however, may be disclosed if it is for the exclusive use of marketing goods and services directly to the consumer.
What Is the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)?
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) imposes certain requirements on operators of websites or online services directed to children under 13 years of age. The requirements may also apply to operators of other websites or online services that have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information online from a child under 13 years of age.
Companies often take advantage of consumers by presenting a long, unreadable privacy policy on websites and apps. The end result is consumers signing away their personal data for nothing in return, except to use a website or media platform. Opting out of data collection may be difficult or impossible in some cases.
Media Data Sharing Lawsuits
The misuse of TV data, collected by media conglomerates and other corporate entities, can pose a privacy concern to consumers and lead to class action lawsuits. In recent years, some landmark litigation has led to the strengthening of consumer data laws.
In most cases, if a company does not have your permission or written consent to collect and disseminate your personal information (location data, viewing history, demographics), they may be liable for violating privacy protection statues and can be sued accordingly.
Joe Lyon is a class action data privacy lawyer representing plaintiffs nationwide in a variety of personal data sharing and VPPA litigation.
Contact Proven Data Privacy Lawyers
Upon receiving a notice about a VPPA class action lawsuit, you typically have the option to opt in as a member of the class seeking damages or opt out to preserve your right to pursue an individual case. Review the notice carefully and consider consulting with legal counsel for advice.
Why Hire The Lyon Firm
Joe Lyon has a proven track record of defending consumers’ rights, securing compensation for violations, and holding massive corporations accountable under the law. If you suspect that your VPPA rights have been violated, document any relevant information or evidence, and strongly consider consulting with a legal professional to assess your options.
The Lyon Firm is here to help you determine the appropriate course of action, which may include joining a class action lawsuit or pursuing an individual claim.
ABOUT THE LYON FIRM
Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.
The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.
NO COST UNLESS WE WIN
The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.
Reviewing Data Sharing & Data Misuse Claims
Why are Class Action Privacy Cases Important?
Without personal data privacy violation class actions, large corporate defendants would be able to cause small amounts of harm over a large group of individuals without any risk of monetary penalty. By holding companies accountable for safely storing your personal information, every consumer will have more control over how their data is used in the future.
Learn About the Legal Process
Filing Class Action lawsuits is a complex and serious legal course and can carry monetary sanctions if proper legal course is not followed. The Lyon Firm is dedicated to assisting injured plaintiffs work toward a financial solution to assist in compensating for medical expenses or other damages sustained.
We work with law firms across the country to provide the most resources possible and to build your case into a valuable settlement. The current legal environment is favorable for consumers involved in data breach class actions, deceptive marketing lawsuits, TCPA telemarketing claims, and financial negligence claims.
