The popular free streaming service Tubi faced a major class action lawsuit accusing it of violating users’ privacy rights by improperly disclosing personally identifiable information to advertisers without obtaining user consent. This lawsuit, known as Gregory v. Tubi, Inc., was settled in a proposed $19.99 million agreement that covers Tubi users who accessed the service between June 23, 2021, and August 26, 2024.
Tubi Class Action Lawsuit Overview
The lawsuit alleged that Tubi violated the federal Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by sharing users’ video viewing histories with third-party advertisers through sophisticated tracking technologies. According to the complaint, Tubi collected detailed information that identified specific videos watched by subscribers and disclosed this to advertisers to target ads more effectively—without properly informing users or obtaining explicit consent.
The plaintiff filed the suit in the Circuit Court for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Winnebago County, Illinois, asserting that Tubi’s conduct breached federal law designed to protect consumers from unauthorized disclosure of their video viewing behaviors.
Details of the Proposed Settlement
To avoid protracted litigation, Tubi agreed to establish a $19.99 million settlement fund to compensate affected users who submit valid claims before the deadline. The settlement also requires Tubi to enhance its privacy policies, improve transparency regarding data collection, and implement stronger protections surrounding user information sharing.
The court preliminarily approved the settlement, finding it fair and reasonable for the settlement class. Members who used Tubi’s streaming service in the stated period and reside in the United States are eligible to participate in the settlement and receive a share of the fund.
User Eligibility and Claim Process
Eligible users must submit a valid claim form by the specified deadline, November 28, 2024, to qualify for a potential payment. The amount distributed to each claimant depends on factors such as the total number of valid claims filed and the administrative costs of the settlement process.
Individuals who do not file a claim will not receive compensation, and participants give up their rights to sue Tubi over the privacy issues addressed in this case. However, those wishing to exclude themselves from the settlement retain the right to pursue independent legal action.
Legal Significance and Impact on Streaming Privacy
The Tubi class action lawsuit highlights growing concerns about consumer privacy in the rapidly expanding digital streaming industry. As advertisers increasingly rely on behavioral data to personalize advertisements, companies face heightened scrutiny over compliance with privacy laws such as the VPPA.
This settlement sets a precedent for streaming platforms to adopt stricter privacy policies and ensure clearer user consent around data collection and sharing practices, signaling heightened accountability in protecting subscribers’ video viewing histories and personal information.
Conclusion
The Tubi class action lawsuit and subsequent $19.99 million settlement underscore the importance of respecting consumer privacy rights in an era of pervasive data tracking and targeted advertising. Affected users have an opportunity to claim compensation, while Tubi commits to improved transparency and privacy safeguards.
This case serves as a significant example of evolving legal expectations and regulations in the digital entertainment sector, emphasizing the balance between monetization strategies and respecting user privacy in streaming services.
