Video Privacy Protection Act

Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) – Overview, Compliance Requirements, and Recent Legal Developments


Introduction

The Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) was enacted in 1988 in response to concerns over privacy regarding individuals’ video rental records. The law has since evolved, particularly with the rise of digital streaming services. This memorandum provides a comprehensive overview of the VPPA, detailing compliance requirements, recent amendments, significant court cases, and how different states and jurisdictions apply or interpret the law.


Overview of the Video Privacy Protection Act

Purpose

The VPPA was originally passed to protect individuals from the unauthorized disclosure of their video rental or purchase histories. Its primary focus is ensuring the privacy of consumers’ video-watching habits. The law was passed following an incident where the video rental history of Robert Bork, a Supreme Court nominee, was leaked during his confirmation hearings.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition on Disclosure: The VPPA prohibits “video tape service providers” from knowingly disclosing a consumer’s personally identifiable information (PII) related to their video viewing history without the consumer’s consent.
  • Consent Requirements: The VPPA mandates that consent for disclosure must be obtained in a form separate from any other agreements (such as terms of service). Consent must be informed, explicit, and given in advance of any disclosure.
  • Exceptions to Disclosure: Certain exceptions allow disclosure, including:
  • With the consumer’s informed, written consent.
  • For law enforcement purposes under a valid court order.
  • In the normal course of business, such as debt collection or order fulfillment.
  • Damages and Remedies: Individuals whose video viewing information is disclosed in violation of the VPPA may sue for damages. Remedies include:
  • Actual damages (with a statutory minimum of $2,500 per violation).
  • Punitive damages.
  • Attorney’s fees and court costs.

Requirements for Compliance with the VPPA

  1. Informed Written Consent: A video service provider must obtain informed, written consent from consumers before disclosing their viewing information. This consent must be clearly distinct from any other agreement or consent, such as privacy policies or terms of service. Importantly, the VPPA requires that consent be revocable and provided for a fixed period (up to two years or until consent is withdrawn).
  2. Data Retention and Anonymization: Providers should minimize the retention of video viewing data and must anonymize information to prevent linking it to an individual unless consent is given. Providers need clear policies on data retention, storage, and destruction.
  3. Notification of Rights: Providers must notify users of their rights under the VPPA, particularly the right to withhold or withdraw consent at any time.
  4. Third-Party Sharing Restrictions: Providers must have strict controls in place when sharing information with third parties, ensuring that any disclosure is in compliance with the VPPA and applicable exceptions.
  5. Implementation of Safeguards: Appropriate data protection and privacy measures must be in place, including encryption and access controls to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.

Recent Amendments and Developments

1. Shift from Analog to Digital:

The VPPA, initially designed for physical video rentals, has evolved to cover streaming services, online platforms, and social media integrations that may track or disclose user video-watching behavior.

  • Netflix and Hulu: In 2013, an amendment to the VPPA allowed companies like Netflix to obtain consent from consumers electronically. This amendment clarified how consent could be obtained for modern digital services, where a separate consent form might not be feasible.
  • Social Media Integration: Streaming platforms that integrate with social media services (e.g., automatic sharing of what someone watched on Facebook) must ensure that they are obtaining explicit user consent under the VPPA.

2. Class Action Suits Under the VPPA:

The VPPA has been the basis for numerous class action lawsuits, especially against streaming services and digital platforms accused of disclosing video viewing information without proper consent. Some notable cases include:

  • In re Hulu Privacy Litigation (2012): This case highlighted the challenges of applying the VPPA to modern streaming services. Hulu users alleged that the platform shared their viewing history with Facebook without proper consent. Although the court dismissed certain claims, it clarified that online streaming services could indeed be subject to the VPPA.
  • Yershov v. Gannett Satellite Information Network (2016): This case extended the definition of “personally identifiable information” (PII) to include metadata such as IP addresses and device IDs, thus broadening the scope of what can be considered a violation under the VPPA.

3. Use of Tracking Pixels and Cookies:

The VPPA has become a critical factor in cases involving the use of tracking pixels and cookies. Digital publishers and video streaming platforms are under increased scrutiny for how they use these tools to collect data on users’ viewing habits.

  • Recent Developments (2023): A surge in lawsuits has arisen due to companies using tracking pixels to capture user interactions with video content on websites. Plaintiffs argue that disclosing these interactions to third parties without explicit consent violates the VPPA. Companies are now required to evaluate the use of such technologies carefully.

Variations in State Interpretations

While the VPPA is a federal law, states have differing interpretations and additional privacy regulations that may affect its enforcement. Below are some notable differences:

  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): California’s privacy laws, particularly the CCPA, provide broader protections than the VPPA. Under the CCPA, consumers have the right to opt out of data sales and request the deletion of their personal information, including video viewing data. This has led to tighter restrictions on how video service providers handle consumer data in California.
  • Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA): Illinois’ BIPA does not directly affect video viewing history, but it signals how state laws are trending towards stronger consumer privacy protections. Future amendments or new laws in states like Illinois may introduce stricter requirements on the collection and use of consumer video data.
  • Varying Court Interpretations: Courts in different jurisdictions have interpreted the VPPA’s scope differently. For example, while some courts have broadly interpreted what constitutes “personally identifiable information,” others have been more restrictive. This variability means companies operating nationally must stay vigilant in understanding how the VPPA is applied across various states.

Best Practices for Compliance

To ensure compliance with the VPPA, video service providers should:

  1. Review and Update Consent Forms: Regularly review consent forms to ensure they are clear, distinct, and compliant with both the VPPA and state privacy laws.
  2. Evaluate Data Collection and Sharing Practices: Audit data collection practices to ensure that PII is only collected, stored, and shared with user consent.
  3. Implement Robust Security Protocols: Use encryption and other security measures to protect consumer data from unauthorized access.
  4. Stay Updated on Legal Developments: Follow ongoing litigation and state law developments to ensure your practices remain compliant as interpretations and regulations evolve.
  5. Create Opt-Out Mechanisms: Provide users with easy ways to withdraw consent at any time and ensure that data related to users who opt-out is promptly deleted or anonymized.

Conclusion

The VPPA is a critical piece of privacy legislation designed to protect consumers’ video-watching histories from unauthorized disclosure. However, with the digital evolution of video consumption, companies face increased complexity in complying with the law. By staying informed about recent amendments, state-specific requirements, and legal developments, companies can avoid costly lawsuits and protect consumer privacy.

Should you need more detailed guidance on VPPA compliance or recent cases, please let me know.


Sources

  • 18 U.S. Code § 2710 (The Video Privacy Protection Act)
  • Hulu Privacy Litigation (2012)
  • Yershov v. Gannett (2016)
  • CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)