Scientific American $850K Video Privacy Settlement

Individuals who subscribed to or accessed the Scientific American website and watched video content while logged into Facebook between June 12, 2022, and July 10, 2025, may qualify to submit a claim for a cash payment from a class action settlement.

Springer Nature America Inc. has agreed to pay $850,000 to resolve allegations that it improperly shared subscribers’ personally identifiable information with Meta through the use of the Meta Pixel on its Scientific American website, allegedly violating the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA).

Who is eligible for a VPPA settlement payout?

Class members are individuals who:

• Reside in the United States and have a Facebook account
• Have possessed login credentials for Springer Nature America’s website, scientificamerican.com
• Between June 12, 2022, and July 10, 2025, watched any prerecorded or on-demand replay video on the Scientific American website while logged into Facebook

How much is the class action payment?

Pro rata cash payment: Each approved claimant will receive an equal share of the net settlement fund. Final payment amount will be determined by the number of claims filed.

How to claim a class action rebate

To receive a settlement payment, class members must submit a claim form by the deadline of Sept. 14, 2025. There are two ways to submit a claim:

• Online: Complete the online claim form.
• By mail: Download and print the PDF claim form to mail to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Lee v. Springer Nature America, Inc. c/o Settlement Administrator P.O. Box 25226 Santa Ana, CA 92799

Required claim information

Notice ID and PIN from settlement notice required to submit an online claim.

Payout options

• Online claimants can select PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or a paper check.
• Mail-in claimants will receive a paper check mailed to the address provided.

$850,000 Scientific American VPPA settlement fund

The settlement fund of $850,000 will include:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys’ fees: Up to $283,333.33
• Service award to class representative: Up to $25,000
• Payments to eligible claimants: Remaining settlement funds

Important dates

• Deadline to file a claim: Sept. 14, 2025
• Exclusion deadline: Sept. 14, 2025
• Final approval hearing: Nov. 6, 2025

When is the Springer Nature America settlement payout date?

Payments will be issued to approved claimants within 90 days after the settlement receives final approval.

Why is there a class action lawsuit and settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged that Springer Nature America disclosed subscribers’ personally identifiable information to Meta via the Meta Pixel on the Scientific American website without consent, potentially violating the Video Privacy Protection Act.

Springer Nature America denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the risk and expense of continued litigation and a possible trial.

Sources

1. Official class action settlement notice
2. Official settlement website FAQ page