A class action lawsuit has resulted in a preliminary agreement involving Gaia, the streaming service popular for its Conscious Media content. The lawsuit claims Gaia violated the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by sharing user data with Facebook via a tracking tool. While Gaia denies any wrongdoing, they have agreed to settle the case for $2 million. Eligible users can now submit claims for their share of the settlement.
Table of Contents
- Gaia VPPA Class Action Settlement Update
- How Much Can You Expect from the Gaia VPPA Settlement?
- Important Dates for Gaia VPPA Class Action Settlement
- Who Can Apply for the Gaia VPPA Settlement?
- How to Claim Your Gaia VPPA Settlement Payment?
- When Will You Get Your Gaia VPPA Settlement Payment?
- Gaia VPPA Class Action Settlement Claim Form
Gaia VPPA Class Action Settlement Update
Gaia, a streaming platform known for its alternative media, is at the center of a class action lawsuit for allegedly violating the VPPA. The lawsuit claims that Gaia shared user data with Facebook via the Facebook Pixel tracking tool without consent, in violation of the VPPA. Though Gaia denies wrongdoing, a $2 million settlement has been reached. The court has granted preliminary approval, and eligible users can now submit their claims.
How Much Can You Expect from the Gaia VPPA Settlement?
The total settlement amount is $2 million, but after certain deductions—such as administration expenses, attorney fees, and service awards—the remaining funds will be distributed among eligible claimants. The exact payout per person depends on the total number of valid claims and associated costs. The settlement is designed to compensate users who had their data shared between September 12, 2020, and July 19, 2024.
Additionally, Gaia has agreed to discontinue the use of the Facebook Pixel on its platforms, ensuring better privacy protection for users going forward.
Important Dates for Gaia VPPA Class Action Settlement
- Claim Form Submission Deadline: December 2, 2024
- Deadline to Object or Opt-Out: October 24, 2024
- Final Approval Hearing: December 9, 2024, at 12:00 PM PST
Be sure to adhere to these deadlines if you wish to claim your payout, object to the settlement, or opt-out.
Who Can Apply for the Gaia VPPA Settlement?
To qualify for the Gaia VPPA settlement, you must meet the following criteria:
- Eligible Individuals: U.S. residents who subscribed to Gaia or accessed pre-recorded content on Gaia’s platforms (like gaia.com or yogainternational.com) between September 12, 2020, and July 19, 2024, while logged into Facebook on a web browser.
Exclusions include:
- Judges and their families
- Gaia affiliates and employees
- Individuals who opted out of the settlement
How to Claim Your Gaia VPPA Settlement Payment?
Eligible users can file claims online or by mail.
Online Submission: Visit the Gaia VPPA settlement website at gaiavppasettlement.com, enter your Notice ID and confirmation code, and complete the claim form.
By Mail: If you prefer, you can fill out a paper claim form, which can be included in your settlement notice or downloaded from the website, and send it to:
Gaia VPPA Settlement Administrator
Attn: Claim Submissions
1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210
Philadelphia, PA 19103
When Will You Get Your Gaia VPPA Settlement Payment?
After the court’s final approval on December 9, 2024, payments will begin within 90 days. If you opted for a paper check, expect to receive it within 1–2 months. For electronic payments, you’ll likely receive your funds within 1–2 weeks.