The Gaia VPPA class action settlement is based on a case complaint against Gaia, Inc. This is a highly opted streaming service that offers yoga, meditation, and wellness content. The case referenced here is that of Guida v. Gaia, Inc.
Gaia VPPA Class Action Settlement
The alleged action is that streaming service Gaia, Inc., which streams wellness content, leaked information about users’ viewings to third parties without their consent, in violation of the VPPA.
Under the settlement terms, Gaia agreed to set up a $2 million fund to settle claims from eligible U.S. subscribers who accessed the service between September 12, 2020, and July 19, 2024, and also had an active Facebook account while viewing pre-recorded videos on its websites.
Distribution shall be pro rata, such that all Class members, who are eligible to file a claim, shall share equally the net Settlement proceeds after deducting all court-approved administrative expenses, attorneys’ fees, and costs.
Gaia VPPA Class Action Settlement Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility to the Gaia VPPA settlement is only experienced by those who belong to the Settlement Class. Follow these steps to determine if you qualify.
- You are a member of the Settlement Class if:
- You reside in the United States;
- From 12 September 2020 through 19 July 2024, you subscribed or otherwise enrolled to receive access to Gaia’s services.
- You accessed the pre-recorded videos (including on-demand replays) available on Gaia’s websites, gaia.com, and yogainternational.com, through a web browser.
- You were an active Facebook user at the time of your access to Gaia’s content.
Gaia VPPA Class Action Settlement Amount
If the Court so directs, Gaia shall establish a $2 million Settlement Fund to benefit Settlement Class members who are eligible.
- The Settlement Fund shall be distributed to Settlement Class members who duly and properly filed claims with the Settlement Administrator.
- Distribution shall be on a pro-rata basis, meaning any given claimant who is qualified for claims shall receive an equal share of the fund after there have been some imposed deductions.
Deductions shall include:
- Settlement administration cost
- Proper taxes and tax-related cost
- Any attorney fees that have been awarded by the courts
- Any service awards granted by the Court to plaintiffs
- Any other deductions permitted by the Court
Equitable Relief:
- Beyond dollar damages, the Settlement subjects Gaia to an injunction that bars it from continuing to use Facebook’s Tracking Pixel on any of the Gaia website pages containing video and which include URLs that identify such video.
- This suspension shall remain in force until such time as the VPPA is amended to provide such consent, repealed, or declared invalid by either the United States Supreme Court or the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals due to its findings on website pixel technology.
How to File for Gaia VPPA Class Action Settlement?
Eligible Gaia subscribers can file a claim and receive payment according to this procedure.
- Visit the Settlement website at gaiavppasettlement.com, the information about the settlement and the forms needed to complete.
- First, you need to go through the eligibility criteria to ensure that you qualify based on what is mentioned on the settlement website.
- You can submit a claim form, including subscriber information and contact numbers.
- You can submit your claim by post or online at the settlement website. Be sure to submit your claim by December 2, 2024.
- Keep a copy of your claim form and any letter you receive about the Settlement.
Gaia VPPA Class Action Settlement Timeline
The Gaia VPPA class action settlement important dates are:
- Fairness Hearing: The Court has set a fairness hearing for the settlement on December 9, 2024.
- Timing of Approval and Payment: If approved, payments to eligible class members whose claims have been approved will be made within 90 days after the Effective Date, following final court approval and any appeals being resolved.
- Payment Methods: Settlement Class Members shall be afforded two choices of payment-one by electronic means, and the other, by paper check.
- Redistribution of Unclaimed Funds: The residual uncashed or returned checks funds will, by pro-rata distribution be given to the members who cashed the initial round of checks or received electronic payments, only if a member of the secondary round would receive at least $5.
