Michigan Reader’s Digest Subscriber Privacy Class Action Settlement

Trusted Media Brands Inc., the publisher of Reader’s Digest and several other magazines, has agreed to an $8.2 million subscriber privacy class action settlement. Plaintiff Shannon Taylor filed the class action lawsuit in 2016, alleging the company violates Michigan state law by selling subscribers’ personal information to data miners without consent.

Taylor claimed she began receiving unwanted junk mail and telemarketing calls after Trusted Media sold her contact information. The plaintiff alleged that Trusted Media Brands sold information such as full names, home addresses, gender, and political affiliations, which is a violation of Michigan’s Preservation of Personal Privacy Act.

The law prohibits businesses that sell “books or other written materials” from disclosing a purchaser’s identity to an outside company. The class action lawsuit also alleges that none of the Class Members consented to having their personal information sold by Trusted Media.

Class Members included in the settlement had a Michigan street address, and subscribed to a Trusted Media Brands’ magazine between March 10, 2010 and July 30, 2016 for delivery to a Michigan address.

All magazines published by Trusted Media are covered by the settlement, including Reader’s Digest, Taste of Home, Farm & Ranch Living, Healthy Cooking, and Every Day with Rachael Ray.  Valid claims will be eligible to receive a pro rata portion of the settlement fund. No leftover settlement fund amounts will revert back to Trusted Media.

The Reader’s Digest privacy rights class action settlement was granted preliminary approval on Oct. 17, 2017. Class Members have until Dec. 21, 2017 to object or opt out of the settlement.

Who’s Eligible

Persons that have a Michigan street address who subscribed to a TMBI Publication between March 10, 2010 and July 30,2016 to be delivered to a Michigan street address. All TMBI Publications are covered by the settlement and include, but are not limited to the following magazines: Reader’s Digest, Reminisce, Taste of Home, Simple & Delicious, The Family Handyman, Birds & Blooms, Country, Country Woman, Farm & Ranch Living, Fresh Home, Healthy Cooking, and/or Every Day with Rachael Ray.

Potential Award

$50 per claim (estimated).

Each Class Member will receive a pro rata portion of the settlement fund, which class counsel anticipates will be approximately $50. The actual payment amount will depend on the number of valid claims filed.

Proof of Purchase

Claims must include a valid Michigan address.

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

3/19/2018

Case Name

Shannon Taylor v. Trusted Media Brands Inc., Case No. 7:16-cv-01812, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Final Hearing

1/31/2018

UPDATE: The Michigan Reader’s Digest Subscriber Privacy Class Action Settlement was granted final approval on February 1, 2018. Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.

Settlement Website

www.MagazineSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Magazine Subscriber Privacy Settlement Administrator
c/o Kurtzman Carson Consultants
PO Box 404038
Louisville, KY 40233-4038
1-855-200-6266

Class Counsel

Scott A. Bursor
BURSOR & FISHER PA

Defense Counsel

Natalie J. Spears
DENTONS US LLP