Scientific American $850K Video Privacy Settlement
Were you a Facebook user who streamed Scientific American videos between June 12 2022 and July 10 2025? If so, you could receive a cash payment from an $850,000 class action settlement. Submit your claim by September 14 2025 to share in the fund.
File an Online Claim Download Claim Form (PDF)Settlement at a Glance
- Total Fund: $850,000
- Estimated Payout: Pro rata—equal share of what remains after fees & costs
- Claim Deadline: September 14 2025
- Exclusion / Objection Deadline: September 14 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: November 6 2025
- Case: Lee v. Springer Nature America Inc., No. 1:24-04493-LJL
Who Is Eligible?
You are considered a class member if you:
- Reside in the United States and have a Facebook account;
- Hold login credentials for ScientificAmerican.com; and
- Streamed any prerecorded or on-demand video on the site while logged in to Facebook between June 12 2022 – July 10 2025.
How Much Money Can I Receive?
Every approved claimant will receive an equal share of the net settlement fund after court-approved deductions for administration costs, attorneys’ fees (up to $283,333.33) and a service award (up to $25,000). The exact dollar amount depends on how many valid claims are filed.
How to File Your Claim
- Locate your Notice ID & PIN. They appear on the email or postcard you received.
- Choose your filing method:
- Online: Complete the secure form linked above and select PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or paper check for payment.
- Mail: Print and mail the PDF claim form to:
Lee v. Springer Nature America Inc.
c/o Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 25226
Santa Ana, CA 92799
- Submit by September 14 2025. Late claims will be rejected.
Why Is There a Settlement?
Plaintiffs alleged that Springer Nature America Inc. used the Meta (Facebook) tracking pixel on ScientificAmerican.com, transmitting subscribers’ video histories and identifying data to Meta without consent. This, they claimed, violated the federal Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). While the company denies wrongdoing, it agreed to settle to avoid the cost and uncertainty of trial.
Important Dates
- Claim / Exclusion Deadline: Sept 14 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: Nov 6 2025
- Expected Payments: Within 90 days after the settlement receives final court approval and any appeals are resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Scientific American $850K Video Privacy Settlement about?
The lawsuit claims ScientificAmerican.com shared video-viewing data with Meta via its tracking pixel, allegedly violating the VPPA. The $850,000 settlement resolves these claims without admission of wrongdoing.
Do I need proof to file a claim?
You must provide the unique Notice ID and PIN included in your official settlement notice. No other documentation is required.
How will I get paid from the Scientific American settlement?
Online filers can choose PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or check. Mail-in filers receive a paper check by mail.
When will payments be sent?
Payments are scheduled to go out within 90 days after the court grants final approval and any appeals end.
Can I opt out of the settlement?
Yes. Submit a written request to the Settlement Administrator by September 14 2025 to preserve your right to sue separately.