Published
November 1, 2025
Updated
July 29, 2026
This settlement resolves claims that Forbes Media sent subscribers' video-viewing information to Facebook through the Meta tracking pixel, in violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act. It covered Forbes readers who also had a Facebook account, and the claim window closed in November 2025.
Current Status
Claims are closed. Online claims had to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on November 4, 2025 and mailed claims postmarked by the same date; the deadlines to opt out or object both passed on October 21, 2025. The final approval hearing was scheduled for November 17, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern, held by Zoom. As of July 29, 2026, no final approval order and no payment date had been located in public sources. Under the settlement terms, payments were expected roughly 70 days after final approval and the resolution of any appeals.StatusClaims Closed — Final Approval Not ConfirmedHearing set for November 17, 2025; no order located as of July 29, 2026.
Claim DeadlineNovember 4, 2025New claims are not accepted.
Estimated PayoutUp to $15Subject to pro rata adjustment · $7.5M fund before fees and costs
Proof RequiredYesA PIN or confirmation code was requested; paper filers had to supply a Facebook account name or ID.
What Was the Case About?
The lawsuit alleged that Forbes Media, LLC disclosed subscribers' personally identifiable information relating to video viewing to Facebook through the Meta tracking pixel, in violation of the Video Privacy Protection Act. Forbes denies all wrongdoing and denies disclosing any personally identifiable information, but agreed to settle to avoid the costs and risks of continued litigation.The Video Privacy Protection Act is a 1988 federal law that restricts how a video service provider may share information identifying what a consumer watched. It has become the basis for a wave of cases against publishers and streaming services that embedded advertising pixels on pages hosting video.
Who Was Covered?
A person was potentially in the class if all of the following applied: they were a Forbes U.S. online or mobile application account holder or a Forbes newsletter subscriber; they had a Facebook account; and they accessed a video through Forbes.com between July 25, 2020 and December 1, 2022 from the same device and browser used to access Facebook.Someone who did not have an active Facebook account during that period, or who did not view a video on Forbes.com from the same device and browser, was not covered. Newsletter subscribers could qualify only if they also met the Facebook and video-viewing conditions.
How Much Could Claimants Get?
Valid claimants were to receive up to $15, subject to pro rata adjustment based on the number of approved claims and court-approved deductions from the $7,500,000 fund for administration, attorneys' fees of up to $2.5 million, costs and service awards. The per-person amount therefore depended on participation and was not fixed.Claimants could elect payment by PayPal, Zelle, Venmo or check. Checks expire 180 days after issue.
What Proof Was Required?
No purchase receipts were required, but the claim form asked for a unique PIN or confirmation code. A class member without one could file a paper claim instead, but had to supply a Facebook account name or Facebook ID and attest under penalty of perjury to the date or time they accessed a video on Forbes.com while holding a qualifying Facebook account. Claimants also had to provide information sufficient to identify their Forbes account and Facebook page, such as a screenshot showing membership during the class period. Because a code or equivalent identifying information was required either way, this page is marked Proof Required: Yes.What Were the Options?
• Submit a claim to receive a payment if eligible.• Exclude yourself by October 21, 2025 to keep the right to sue Forbes separately.
• Object by October 21, 2025 while remaining in the class.
• Do nothing — receive no payment and give up the right to sue over the same issues.
All of those deadlines have passed. Exclusion required a mailed letter identifying the case, with name, address and signature; objections had to be filed with the court and served on counsel, with the basis for class membership and the reasons for the objection.
What Happens Next?
The remaining steps were the court's ruling on final approval, resolution of any appeal, and distribution roughly 70 days afterward. No final approval order and no payment date had been located as of July 29, 2026. Updates are posted on the official settlement website.Official information is available at Forbes VPPA Settlement.
Important Dates
• Class period: July 25, 2020 through December 1, 2022• Opt-out deadline: October 21, 2025
• Objection deadline: October 21, 2025
• Claim deadline: November 4, 2025
• Final approval hearing: November 17, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET
Sources
• Official settlement website: Forbes VPPA Settlement• Legal notice of class action settlement posted by the settlement administrator
• Ramirez v. Forbes Media, LLC, Case No. CACE-25-011695, Circuit Court for the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County, Florida
Official Settlement Notice
For more class actions keep scrolling below.
Settlement Fund
Up to $7,500,000
Case Title
Ramirez v. Forbes Media, LLC
Case Number
CACE-25-011695
Court
Circuit Court for the 17th Judicial Circuit, Broward County, Florida
Class Period
July 25, 2020 – December 1, 2022
Claim Deadline
November 4, 2025
Final Approval Hearing
November 17, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET
No ruling located as of July 29, 2026.
Status
Claims Closed — Final Approval Not Confirmed
Official Website
Forbes VPPA Settlement
