GameStop Corp. has reached a $4.5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over privacy violations. This decision comes amidst allegations related to the leaking of users' personal information.
Allegations Against GameStop
In 2023, the first action against GameStop was filed by plaintiffs Scott Gallie and Alejandro Aldana, asserting that the retailer leaked customers' personal information to Meta Platforms Inc. by using tracking technology on its website.
Court documents indicate that the case was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs highlighted the use of the Facebook Tracking Pixel, a feature that unlawfully shared customers' identities and purchase details without their consent.
The plaintiffs also contended that the shared information violated the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), which bans the disclosure of personally identifiable information regarding video content rentals or purchases.
Settlement Terms
Under the proposed settlement, GameStop will pay a total of $4.5 million. This amount will cover cash payments or vouchers for customers, attorney fees, and administrative costs.
Customers who made purchases on GameStop’s official website from August 18, 2020, to April 17, 2025, can claim up to $5 in cash or approximately $10 in store vouchers. The vouchers can be redeemed on the retailer’s website and will be issued to the account linked to the claimant’s email address.
Additionally, the settlement requires GameStop to suspend the use of the Facebook Tracking Pixel on web pages where it can capture information about video games containing cut scenes, which fall under the VPPA.
Claim Filing Process
Customers seeking compensation must submit a claim form via the official settlement website by August 15, 2025. Claimants will need to provide their full name, contact information, and proof of an active Facebook account.
Payments will be issued approximately 45 days later if the settlement receives final approval. Cash payments will be distributed through services like Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo, while vouchers will be credited to the claimant's GameStop account linked to the submitted email address.
The settlement with GameStop underscores the importance of user data protection and the company's willingness to resolve legal disputes without prolonged litigation.
