Crunchyroll violated viewers’ privacy. Some may be entitled to part of $16M settlement
Some Crunchyroll subscribers could qualify for a cut of a big class-action settlement.
The California-based entertainment company, which boasts “the world’s largest anime collection,” has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit alleging digital privacy violations, according to the settlement administrator’s website.
Crunchyroll streams hundreds of anime and manga titles and had more than 120 million registered users in August 2021, according to the lawsuit.
Filed in September 2022, the complaint accused parent company Sony Corporation of sharing users’ personal viewing information with third-party sites including Facebook and Google without their knowledge — a violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act.
Crunchyroll has denied any wrongdoing in the case.
McClatchy News reached out to the company for comment Oct. 10 and was awaiting a response.
Subscribers have until Dec. 12 to submit a claim.
Here’s what to know as the deadline approaches:
Who’s eligible?
You may submit a claim if:
- You live in the U.S. and are a registered user of any website, mobile app or video-on-demand service owned or operated by Crunchyroll between Sept. 8, 2020, and Sept. 23, 2023.
- You live in the U.S. and watched videos on any website, mobile app or video-on-demand service owned or operated by Crunchyroll between Sept. 8, 2020, and Sept. 23, 2023.
How do I file a claim?
Eligible Crunchyroll users can submit a claim form online, according to the administrator’s website. A Class Member ID, included in an email sent by the administrator, is required to complete the form.
Paper claim forms can be mailed, though online submissions are recommended.
The claim deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 12.
How much is the payment?
Eligible users who submit a valid claim form can receive up to $30, though the amount may be more or less depending on the number of claims filed, the website says.
When will I get paid?
A final hearing to approve the terms of the settlement is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 19, administrators said. If approved, eligible Crunchyroll users will be paid in 90 days after any appeals are resolved.
This story was originally published October 10, 2023 at 11:49 AM with the headline "Crunchyroll violated viewers’ privacy. Some may be entitled to part of $16M settlement."