Supreme Court to Rule on 1988 Video Privacy Law’s Online Impact
The Supreme Court is set to rule on a significant case regarding the 1988 Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) and its application to online practices. This case will determine whether Paramount Global improperly shared user viewing history with Facebook, potentially violating the VPPA.
Case Background: Michael Salazar v. Paramount Global
The lawsuit, Michael Salazar v. Paramount Global, arises from actions taken in 2022. Salazar initiated a class action suit against Paramount, claiming it breached the VPPA by revealing his personally identifiable information to Facebook without his consent. He had registered for an online newsletter on 247Sports.com, a site owned by Paramount, which required him to enter his email address.
User Consent and Existing Practices
While using 247Sports.com, Salazar logged in through his Facebook account to access video content. According to Salazar’s petition, Paramount inadvertently disclosed his Facebook ID and the videos he watched due to the Facebook Pixel technology implemented on its site. This automatic sharing resulted in targeted advertising by both Paramount and Facebook, thereby boosting their revenue.
The Video Privacy Protection Act and Its Implications
The VPPA, enacted in 1988, defines a “consumer” as any individual who rents, purchases, or subscribes to services from a video tape service provider. The law further defines “video tape service provider” to include those offering prerecorded audiovisual materials. The Supreme Court’s ruling will delve into how broadly this definition should be interpreted.
- The legal question focuses on whether “goods or services from a video tape service provider” encompasses all offerings or strictly audiovisual options.
- The Court’s decision could set a precedent for digital privacy and data sharing practices in the current online landscape.
Supreme Court Engagement
The Supreme Court agreed to hear Salazar’s case as part of their latest round of orders issued recently. This engagement highlights the increasing scrutiny of privacy laws in relation to evolving digital practices. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for both consumers and service providers in the digital age.
