Latest news with #VideoPrivacyProtectionAct


Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Supreme Court Urged by NBA To Clarify 37-Year-Old Law
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The National Basketball Association (NBA), along with support from the National Football League (NFL), is urging the United States Supreme Court to provide a definitive interpretation of the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), a law enacted in the 1980s to protect consumer video rental and viewing records. Why It Matters As digital content and streaming services have redefined the modern viewing landscape, federal courts are divided on whether this decades-old law should apply to those accessing free online content. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd and 7th Circuits have ruled that the law does apply to consumers of a videotape service provider's non-audiovisual goods and services, while the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected this interpretation. "Only this Court can resolve the split," Shay Dvoretzky and Raza Rasheed, attorneys for the NBA, wrote in a brief filed Wednesday. Newsweek has reached out to the NBA for comment. A general overall exterior view of the Supreme Court, on January 1, 2023, in Washington. A general overall exterior view of the Supreme Court, on January 1, 2023, in Washington. Aaron M. Sprecher via AP What To Know The case centers on Michael Salazar, who in 2022 filed suit against the NBA after subscribing to its free online newsletter and watching complimentary videos on while logged into Facebook. Salazar alleges his video viewing history was shared with Meta, Facebook's parent company, without his consent, via tracking software incorporated on the NBA's website. The NBA argues that Salazar is not protected under the VPPA because he subscribed to the NBA's free email newsletter, not its audiovisual content. In October 2024, the 2nd Circuit ruled that Salazar was a "consumer" under the VPPA because he had exchanged personal information for access to NBA content. The 7th Circuit agreed with the 2nd Circuit's decision, but the 6th Circuit rejected those decisions, holding that the VPPA's protections only to those who subscribe to videocassette tapes or similar audiovisual materials. "This case is an excellent vehicle for addressing both the VPPA split and whether Salazar had standing to begin with," attorneys for the NBA wrote in a brief. Salazar's attorney, Joshua I. Hammack, argues that the Court should not consider the case because a final judgment has not been reached, and two amended complaints have been filed since the NBA petitioned the Court for certiorari. "This case is far from an 'ideal' or 'perfect vehicle,'" Hammack wrote in a brief. Newsweek has also reached out to Hammack for comment. In May, the NFL filed a brief supporting the NBA's petition and emphasizing the potential industrywide repercussions. The NFL argued that Supreme Court intervention is necessary to address a rise in class action lawsuits against content providers under the VPPA. "Absent the Court's intervention, sports leagues and other online content providers will continue to face a slew of class actions under the VPPA," attorneys for the NFL wrote in the brief. What is the VPPA? The VPPA was passed by Congress in 1988 and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. The law is also referred to as the "Bork bill" because it was passed after Robert Bork's video rental history became public during his Supreme Court nomination. The law states that a "videotape service provider" who knowingly discloses information about any of its consumers is liable to provide relief. What People Are Saying Shay Dvoretzky and Raza Rasheed, attorneys for the NBA, in a brief filed Wednesday: "The parties agree that the petition presents an important, certworthy VPPA question. This case is an excellent vehicle to resolve that question and whether Salazar has Article III standing. The Second Circuit's decision on both questions was wrong, and it threatens widespread damage to the modern internet economy. The Court should intervene." Joshua I. Hammack, attorney for Michael Salazar, in a brief: "Nothing about 'subscribing' is unique to audiovisual goods or services. There is simply no basis to rewrite the VPPA's definition of 'consumer' to impose a limitation that appears nowhere in the text." What Happens Next The NBA has filed a petition for a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court. The Court has yet to decide whether it will hear the case. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@


Time of India
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
"Stop the bulls*it man" - Kevin Durant's brother says Draymond Green is better than Dennis Rodman
"Stop the bulls*it man" - Kevin Durant's brother says Draymond Green is better than Dennis Rodman (Image Source: Getty Images) A heated NBA debate has gone viral after a bold comment from Kevin Durant's brother, Tony Durant. The question causing all the buzz is whether Dennis Rodman is truly better than Draymond Green. The conversation blew up online, after fans began comparing the two. Things took a wild turn when Tony jumped in with strong words that surprised many. Now, fans and analysts everywhere are weighing in on the intense claim. A heated take from Kevin Durant's brother lights up the internet On July 19, a strong opinion from Tony Durant, brother of NBA star Kevin Durant, sparked a heated online debate. It happened during a public conversation about NBA legends on X. Fans were talking about whether former Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman is better than former Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. (Image Source: Instagram) That's when Tony Durant made a bold statement, saying, 'Rodman isn't better than no f***ing Draymond Green, stop the bulls*** man.' The quote quickly went viral. Tony Durant steps in after Dennis Rodman vs Draymond Green talk online The comment was posted by Tony Durant on X on Friday, July 19, after a viral video reignited comparisons between Dennis Rodman and Draymond Green. The clip featured Draymond Green himself defending his legacy. In the video, Green says he believes he's one of the best defenders in the NBA and deserves more respect. The video was shared by ClutchPoints and widely discussed. Soon after, the internet got divided. Some NBA fans stood by Rodman, calling him a 'rebound king' who played key roles in the 1990s Chicago Bulls championships. Others supported Draymond Green, saying he played a major part in all four of the Golden State Warriors' NBA titles since 2015. Tony Durant stepped into the discussion and didn't hold back. In his tweet, he said, 'Dennis Rodman not better than no f***ing Draymond Green.' This bold claim caused a wave of reactions. Many fans, analysts, and former players chimed in. While some agreed, others strongly disagreed. A few mentioned how Rodman had two Defensive Player of the Year awards and led the league in rebounds for seven straight seasons. Green has always been outspoken about his value to the Warriors. On his The Draymond Green Show, he has often shared how much he studies the game and understands its flow. Also Read: NBA appeals to Supreme Court for clarity on Video Privacy Protection Act Dennis Rodman hasn't said anything about the tweet so far. Draymond Green, who still plays for the Golden State Warriors, hasn't reacted either. Right now, fans all over the internet are still going back and forth, trying to decide who's better - Rodman or Draymond. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Time of India
21-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NBA appeals to Supreme Court for clarity on Video Privacy Protection Act
via Getty Images: NBA logo The National Basketball Association ( NBA ) has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve a critical dispute over the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). VPPA is a 1988 law dubbed the Bork Bill after the unauthorized disclosure of Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork's video rental history. The case originates from a 2022 lawsuit filed by Michael Salazar, who alleges the NBA violated the VPPA by sharing his viewing history on with Meta through a Facebook cookie while he was logged into his account. NBA asks review of Bork Bill and the act's Reach Salazar, a subscriber to the NBA's free online newsletter, claims he never consented to this data sharing. A district court dismissed his complaint, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reinstated it, leading the NBA to seek Supreme Court review. The VPPA prohibits businesses engaged in the 'rental, sale, or delivery of prerecorded video cassette tapes or similar audiovisual materials' from knowingly disclosing consumer information. However, a split among federal circuits complicates its application. The Top 100 Plays of the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season The NBA , in a brief authored by Skadden Arps attorneys Shay Dvoretzky, Parker Rider-Longmaid, and Raza Rasheed, warns that the broader interpretation could impose $2,500 per consumer in statutory penalties. With drawing over 80 million monthly visitors, many of whom watch free videos or subscribe to newsletters, such liability could disrupt the ad-driven model that funds free online content, potentially forcing businesses to charge for services previously offered at no cost. Circuit Split threatens uniformity for consumers and businesses Salazar argues that by subscribing to the NBA's newsletter—exchanging personal information like his email and IP address—he became a protected consumer under the VPPA, even without subscribing to video-specific services. He contends the NBA's data sharing with advertisers exceeded the scope of his consent. The NBA's petition highlights the urgent need to resolve the circuit split to ensure consistent legal standards across the U.S. Without Supreme Court intervention or Congressional action, the VPPA's applicability varies by region, creating uncertainty for consumers, businesses, and content providers. The broader interpretation could lead to billions in liability for the NBA and similar entities, potentially reshaping the internet's free-access landscape. The issue extends beyond the NBA, with sports organizations like the PGA Tour, NFL , Learfield, Bleacher Report, and others facing VPPA lawsuits. The NBA argues that the Supreme Court must clarify the law to prevent inconsistent rulings that hinge on where cases are filed, ensuring equitable protection for consumers and predictability for businesses. Also read: Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


New York Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
GameStop customers could receive cash payout following settlement over alleged privacy breach
Customers who purchased a video game from the website of popular gaming retailer, GameStop, during the past five years could be eligible for a payout under a recent settlement following an alleged privacy breach. The class-action lawsuit, filed by Alejandro Aldana and Scott Gallie, accused GameStop of sharing customers' personal information without their consent. The document said GameStop 'disclosed its online video game customers' personally identifiable information to Facebook via the Facebook Tracking Pixel without consent, in violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA).' As a result of the $4.5 million settlement, impacted customers can receive a cash payment of up to $5 or a voucher worth up to about $10 to use on the retailer's website, according to the lawsuit. Customers can qualify for compensation from the settlement if they bought a game from GameStop's website between Aug. 18, 2020 and April 17, 2025, and have a public Facebook account displaying the name used at the time of purchase. 3 A person walks past a GameStop store in Manhattan on Jan. 29, 2021. REUTERS 3 Customers shop at a GameStop retailer in San Rafael, Calif., on Dec. 8, 2021. Getty Images In order to receive compensation, eligible customers must submit a claim on the settlement's website by Aug. 15. The submission form asks that claimants provide their full name, address, email, phone number and proof of ownership of a Facebook account with either a link or screenshot of the profile. 3 Employees talk with customers at GameStop in New York, New York on Jan. 30, 2021. REUTERS GameStop denies that it violated any law, but has agreed to the settlement to avoid the uncertainties and expenses associated with continuing the case, according to the settlement's website. FOX Business reached out to GameStop for comment, but did not hear back by time of publication.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GameStop to Pay $4.5 Million Over Alleged Privacy Violations Involving Facebook Data Sharing
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME) has agreed to pay $4.5 million to its customers following allegations of privacy law violations. The gaming retailer was accused of sharing personal customer information with Facebook without consent. What Happened: GameStop Corp is gearing up to distribute millions to its customers to settle a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit accused the company of violating the federal Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by allegedly sharing sensitive customer data with Facebook. The gaming retailer is specifically accused of implementing a Facebook tracking pixel on its website. This pixel allegedly sent customer's personal information, including details of video game purchases, to Facebook without their knowledge or consent. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — The settlement, which totals $4.5 million, applies to individuals who purchased a game from GameStop's online store between August 18th, 2020, and April 17th, 2025. To qualify for the settlement, customers must have been Facebook members and maintained a public Facebook profile using their real name at the time of purchase. While the exact number of affected customers is not yet known, the settlement suggests that hundreds of thousands of customers may be eligible for compensation. Affected customers are set to receive up to $5 cash or a $10 voucher. Despite agreeing to the settlement, GameStop has not admitted to any wrongdoing. The company has, however, committed to permanently removing the tracking pixel to prevent future unauthorized data It Matters: This settlement highlights the increasing scrutiny on companies to ensure they adhere to privacy laws and respect customer data. As consumers become more aware of their digital rights, companies like GameStop are being held accountable for their data practices. This case serves as a reminder for businesses to review their data sharing practices and ensure they are in line with legal requirements. Read Next: In terms of getting money back, these bank accounts put traditional checking and savings accounts to shame. Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down taxes: Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation. Image: Shutterstock/Jillian Cain Photography This article GameStop to Pay $4.5 Million Over Alleged Privacy Violations Involving Facebook Data Sharing originally appeared on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data