In a significant development concerning digital privacy rights, the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) has agreed to a $4 million settlement to resolve allegations of violating the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). This Christian Broadcasting Network class action lawsuit centers on claims that CBN improperly shared users’ video viewing data with Meta (formerly Facebook) without obtaining proper consent. If you accessed video content on CBN’s platforms between March 28, 2022, and May 28, 2024, you might be eligible for compensation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the lawsuit, including background information, eligibility criteria, claim filing procedures, and important deadlines.
Background of the Christian Broadcasting Network Class Action Lawsuit
The case, titled Moog v. The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc., Case No. 1:24-cv-00501-PTG-IDD, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. It centers around allegations that CBN—a prominent religious broadcasting organization known for streaming Christian content online—violated the federal Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by secretly sharing its viewers’ private video data with Meta (formerly Facebook) through an embedded tracking tool called Meta Pixel.
At the heart of the lawsuit is the VPPA, a federal law enacted in 1988 following a scandal involving the unauthorized release of Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork’s video rental records. The legislation was created to protect consumers’ video viewing privacy, prohibiting any “video tape service provider” from knowingly disclosing personally identifiable information (PII) and video consumption habits to third parties without clear and informed consent.
The complaint claims that between March 28, 2022, and May 28, 2024, CBN used Meta Pixel—a small piece of JavaScript code that websites embed to collect data and track user behavior. While commonly used in digital marketing to measure ad performance, Meta Pixel has raised significant privacy concerns due to its capacity to capture sensitive data, including names, email addresses, IP addresses, and even video titles or watch behavior tied to individual users.
CBN allegedly deployed Meta Pixel across its digital platforms, which allowed Meta to receive detailed information about videos viewed by logged-in users. Since these users were identified by their login credentials, the lawsuit claims that CBN effectively disclosed identifiable viewing data without obtaining proper consent, thus breaching the VPPA’s core provisions.
Although CBN denies any wrongdoing and maintains that its practices were lawful, the organization agreed to a $4 million class action settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. As part of the settlement terms, CBN has also agreed to cease the use of Meta Pixel or similar technologies that could transmit user video data to third parties in violation of the VPPA. This move signals a broader shift toward greater accountability for media companies and streaming platforms regarding consumer privacy.
The lawsuit is part of a growing trend of litigation against companies that use Meta Pixel and other tracking technologies without appropriate safeguards. Other high-profile VPPA lawsuits have targeted media companies, fitness platforms, and even educational content providers for similar data-sharing practices with Meta and Google. The CBN case, however, stands out because it implicates a religious broadcaster—raising questions about trust, transparency, and the ethical use of user data within faith-based communities.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
You may be eligible to participate in the settlement if you meet the following criteria:
- You used login credentials for any of CBN’s websites.
- You requested or obtained video content from any of CBN’s services between March 28, 2022, and May 28, 2024.
Importantly, no proof of purchase or specific documentation is required to file a claim.
How Much Can You Receive?
The total settlement fund is $4 million. After deducting attorneys’ fees, administrative costs, and other expenses, the remaining amount will be distributed equally among all approved claimants. The exact payment per individual will depend on the number of valid claims submitted.
How to File a Claim
To file a claim, follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Settlement Website: Go to VideoClassAction.com.
- Complete the Claim Form: Fill out the online claim form with the required information.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure that you submit your claim by April 29, 2025.
No additional documentation is needed, and the process is designed to be straightforward.
Important Deadlines
- Claim Submission Deadline: April 29, 2025
- Deadline to Exclude Yourself or Object: April 29, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: July 17, 2025
It’s crucial to adhere to these deadlines to ensure your participation in the settlement.
Conclusion
The Christian Broadcasting Network class action lawsuit underscores the importance of digital privacy and the responsibilities of organizations in handling user data. If you accessed video content on CBN’s platforms during the specified period, you have an opportunity to claim a portion of the $4 million settlement. Act promptly to file your claim and stay informed about your digital rights.