Patreon Class Action Settlement: What You Need to Know - Major Digest

Summary** A new class action settlement has been established, allowing Patreon users who had accounts and accessed videos on Patreon.com between April 1, 2016, and September 23, 2024, to file a claim for payment. The settlement alleges that Patreon disclosed subscribers' information to Facebook owner Meta without consent.

Introduction

Patreon, a subscription-based content creator platform, has been involved in a class action lawsuit alleging the disclosure of users' personal data to Meta. As a result, a settlement agreement has been reached, which will see Patreon paying $7.25 million to eligible users who accessed video content during the specified period.

The Settlement Details

Payout Amounts and Eligibility

Patreon users who had accounts and accessed videos on Patreon.com between April 1, 2016, and September 23, 2024, are eligible to file a claim. The payment amount will likely be between $35 and $175 per user, depending on the number of claims filed. A final sum will be announced once all claims have been submitted. To file a claim, users must provide their Facebook profiles to verify eligibility, as well as promise under oath that they accessed video content while having an active Facebook account. Claims can be filed online by January 15, and a link is provided on the Patreon website for users to access the form.

Options for Users

Users have three options: do nothing, exclude themselves from the settlement, or object to it. Those who choose to do nothing will be bound by the settlement, meaning they won't receive any payment and will not be allowed to sue Patreon in the future. Anyone who objects to the settlement may speak at the Final Approval Hearing at their own expense, which will take place in February.

Settlement Terms

As part of the agreement, Patreon has agreed not to operate Meta Pixel on any Patreon website unless the Video Privacy Protection Act is amended or invalidated, or until Patreon obtains consent from users. This term aims to prevent similar data disclosure issues in the future. The allegations against Patreon center around the use of Meta Pixel, a code for websites that tracks users' information for targeted advertising. The lawsuit claims that Patreon violated the Video Privacy Protection Act by disclosing subscribers' identities and video preferences without their consent. Patreon denies any wrongdoing and stated that the payment is an agreement rather than an admission of guilt.

What's Next for Users?

For users who believe they qualify, it's essential to file a claim by January 15, 2025, using the provided link on the Patreon website. By doing so, users will be able to receive their share of the settlement payout.