Buzzfeed to pay readers $9 million after company ‘shared user information’ – only two criteria to claim

BUZZFEED has agreed to pay readers $9 million after a class action lawsuit alleged the company violated privacy laws.

The digital media company denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle legislation with a payout.

AFP

The lawsuit alleged BuzzFeed shared user information with Facebook without their consent.

This violated the federal Video Privacy Protection Act, according to the lawsuit.

The settlement benefits BuzzFeed account holders or digital newsletter subscribers who access a video through a BuzzFeed website between May 16, 2021, and November 10, 2023.

These sites include Huff Post, Tasty, and Complex.

Under the settlement terms, class members will be paid up to $8 and receive a free one-year subscription to BuzzFeed+, valued at over $35.

The deadline to file a claim is November 5, and the final hearing to approve the settlement is October 18.

A SIMILAR SETTLEMENT

Nevada Restaurant Services is facing a settlement due to a major data breach.

The company owns and operates several casinos, gambling parlors, and resorts in the state — including Dotty’s

The plaintiffs alleged that the company failed to implement proper cybersecurity measures that would have prevented a 2021 data breach.

According to the lawsuit, sensitive information in the Nevada Restaurant Services system, including bank account and Social Security numbers, was allegedly compromised .

Nevada Restaurant Services denied any wrongdoing but agreed to an undisclosed settlement to avoid further legal costs.

Eligible individuals received a notification from the company alerting them that their personal information may have been impacted.

Class members will need the claim ID sent to them via mail or email to file a claim.

No proof of documentation is required to file a claim, but supplying them could increase the payout.

What's a class-action settlement?

Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or 'classes,' a way to band together in court.

These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.

When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.

Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.

These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.

Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.

Claimants can get a $350 reimbursement for losses like credit expenses, communication charges, and lost time at $35 per hour.

Class members who faced fraud or identity theft could claim as much as $10,000 depending on their losses.

Without any proof, claimants will be paid $50.

The deadline to file a claim is September 17.

A bankrupt dental company is facing a $27.5 million settlement and sending out payments of up to $300.

Clients of a tax filing service could qualify for a $14.95 million settlement.