Forbes has agreed to a $7.5 million settlement to resolve claims it violated the federal Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by sharing online subscriber information with Facebook via a tracking pixel. The settlement applies to U.S. Forbes account holders, mobile app users, or newsletter subscribers with a Facebook account who accessed videos on Forbes.com between July 25, 2020, and December 1, 2022.
Background and Allegations
According to the class action, Forbes transmitted personal data to Facebook without user consent, which plaintiffs say is expressly prohibited by the VPPA. The law was originally enacted to protect videotape rental records and now extends to digital video services. According to the class action lawsuit, Forbes shared subscriber information with Facebook through a Facebook tracking pixel. Plaintiffs in the case say this violated the VPPA, which prohibits the sharing of video consumer information without consent.” Forbes did not admit wrongdoing but agreed to pay to resolve the claims and removed the tracking pixel from its video pages in December 2022.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
- U.S. Forbes online account holders, mobile app account holders, or newsletter subscribers
- Must have had a Facebook account
- Must have accessed a video through Forbes.com from July 25, 2020, to December 1, 2022
- Must have used the same device and browser to access both Forbes and Facebook during the relevant period
How Much Can Class Members Receive?
Each eligible claimant who submits a valid claim form by November 4, 2025, may receive up to $15, though amounts could be lower depending on the number of claims filed. No proof of purchase is required. The official notice states that class members who submit a valid claim form can receive a payment of up to $15. However, payments may be reduced on a pro rata basis depending on the number of claims filed.
How to File a Claim
To file, visit the official settlement site or submit a form via mail. You will need the unique claim ID found on the settlement notice sent to eligible class members. Only valid and truthful claims will be approved, and fraudulent claims can harm other participants.
- Claim Form Deadline: November 4, 2025
- Exclusion/Objection Deadline: October 21, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: November 17, 2025
What Happens Next?
If the court grants final approval at the November 17, 2025, hearing, Forbes settlement payments will be sent to eligible class members within 70 days, unless appeals arise. The checks or electronic transfers will be distributed according to the settlement’s pro rata formula based on the number of approved claims.
Broader Context
This lawsuit and settlement come at a time of heightened regulatory and public scrutiny of digital privacy, as courts extend longstanding federal laws to modern platforms and digital data flows. Forbes’ removal of the Facebook pixel following the lawsuit highlights increased attention to user consent and privacy. Many consumers are now more aware of how their data may be transmitted to advertisers or social media companies, as well as the risks involved.
Final Thoughts
This $7.5 million settlement signals a wake-up call for digital publishers and a reminder for consumers to understand their privacy rights. Forbes has agreed to a $7.5 million settlement to resolve claims it violated the federal Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by sharing online subscriber information with Facebook via a tracking pixel. The settlement applies to U.S. Forbes account holders, mobile app users, or newsletter subscribers with a Facebook account who accessed videos on Forbes.com between July 25, 2020, and December 1, 2022.
