Boston Globe Facebook tracking pixel $5M class action settlement

Boston Globe agreed to a $5 million Video Protection Privacy Act (VPPA) class action settlement to resolve claims that it violated user privacy rights by using Facebook’s tracking pixel without consent. 

The settlement benefits individuals who had a Facebook account, a digital subscription to the Boston Globe and/or a home delivery subscription to the Boston Globe that includes digital access and who viewed videos on Boston Globe’s website between Feb. 5, 2020, and May 25, 2023.

According to the class action lawsuit, Boston Globe violated the VPPA by disclosing users’ personal information through the Facebook Pixel tracking plugin. Subscribers say they did not consent to have their information shared.

The Boston Globe is a New England news source with an online platform in addition to print subscriptions. 

The Boston Globe hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $5 million settlement to resolve the VPPA class action lawsuit.

Under the terms of the Boston Globe settlement, class members can receive a cash payment. Each claimant will receive an equal share of the net settlement. Although exact payments will vary depending on the number of participating class members and other factors, class counsel estimates that each claimant will receive between $20 and $40.

In addition to these cash payments, the Boston Globe agreed to extend class members’ existing digital subscriptions for a maximum of seven days with no additional payment required. The company will also stop using Facebook Pixel tracking until they obtain a VPPA-complaint consent disclosure. 

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Aug. 11, 2023.

The final approval hearing for the Boston Globe settlement is scheduled for Sept. 7, 2023.

In order to receive a settlement payment, class members must submit a valid claim form by Oct. 23, 2023.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals who had a Facebook account, a digital subscription to the Boston Globe and/or a home delivery subscription to the Boston Globe that includes digital access and who viewed videos on Boston Globe’s website between Feb. 5, 2020, and May 25, 2023

Potential Award

$20 to $40 (estimated)

Proof of Purchase

N/A

Claim Form

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

10/23/2023

Case Name

Ambrose v. Boston Globe Media Partners LLC, Case No. 1:22-cv-10195-RGS, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Final Hearing

09/07/2023

Settlement Website

BostonGlobeVPPASettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Boston Globe Privacy Settlement
Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 4276
Portland, OR 97208-4276
info@bostonglobevppasettlement.com
877-589-8089

Class Counsel

Philip L Fraietta
Joshua D Arisohn
Christopher R Reilly
BURSOR & FISHER PA

Defense Counsel

Marc J Swillinger
Jeffery G Landis
SWILLGEN PLLC