Anti-“wokeness and DEI” video games retailer GameStop has agreed to a $4.5 million class action lawsuit settlement in response to claims it violated federal privacy laws known as the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) by sharing consumer information with Facebook.
The suit — Aldana v GameStop, Inc — says the store divulged online customers’ personally identifiable information, or “PII,” to Facebook via its Tracking Pixel without consent, violating the VPPA. “The VPPA defines PII to include information which identifies a person as having requested or obtained specific video materials or services from a video tape service provider,” the release reads.
The video game retailer and reseller denies any wrongdoing, instead opting to settle to avoid expenses associated with further litigation.
The settlement also states that “[affected customers] may elect to receive either a Cash Payment of up to $5 or a Voucher of up to $10 for use on GameStop’s website,” which feels a little on-the-nose.
Are you eligible?
The settlement applies to any consumer who bought a video game from GameStop’s website at any time between August 18, 2020, and April 17, 2025, and had a public Facebook profile associated with their real name at the time of purchase. This week, emails containing settlement information were sent to customers who had bought a game from GameStop’s website.
Consumers must submit a claim to receive their voucher or cash before August 15, 2025, in order to be eligible. The suit says consumers can attend the Final Approval Hearing on September 18, 2025, if they wish to potentially share their opinion in court. The release also expands on buyers’ other legal rights and options.
File Your Claim
Eligible consumers can start their claim via the settlement website, but they’ll first need a GameStop-provided 10-character identification number. This figure can be found in your related GameStop email and may comprise both letters and numbers. This claim must be filed before August 15, 2025, in order to be eligible for payment.
Customers opting to receive cash payments will get them through Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal, while voucher recipients will find their credit added to the GameStop account associated with their email address. All vouchers distributed will expire one year after they were received.
Not get an email? You may still be eligible, but you must submit a paper claim. These must be postmarked on or before August 15, 2025.
All payments and vouchers are expected to be distributed 55 days after the final deal approval and closure of any appeals.
Follow us on MSN for more content you love.
Read more:
A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.
Leave a Reply