With AMC Settlement, HIDIVE Might Owe You Money

Danica Davidson February 14, 2024

A class action lawsuit accused AMC (and through that, AMC+, Shudder, Acorn TV, ALLBLK, SundanceNow and HIDIVE services) of breaking the federal Video Privacy Protection Act by giving private info on its users with third parties. AMC denies any criminal activity, but has agreed to settle, namely by shelving out $8.3 million. This money will be further broken down and given to the people affected by the alleged crime.

Top Class Actions explains:

The settlement benefits consumers who watched videos through AMC+, Shudder, Acorn TV, ALLBLK, SundanceNow and/or HIDIVE services on an online website, mobile app or streaming service controlled by AMC between Jan. 18, 2021, and Jan. 10, 2024.

It also noted:

Payments will vary depending on the number of valid claims filed. No payment estimates are available at this time.

HIDIVE is involved because AMC bought Sentai Holdings, LLC in early 2022, and Sentai Filmworks and the HIDIVE are part of Sentai Holdings, LLC.

AMC is also obligated to offer a one-week digital subscription to the AMC+ streaming service to those who file a valid claim. Going forward, AMC must alter its tracking methods and make sure it does not violate the Video Privacy Protection Act.

There still needs to be a concluding settlement hearing on May 16. If you were affected, you will need to file a claim by that time, and you can do so on this website. Make sure you’re eligible first, though.

Something similar to this happened not long ago with Crunchyroll. In that case, Crunchyroll, LLC was accused in a class action lawsuit of giving away subscribers’ personally identifiable information to third parties. Crunchyroll also denied any wrongdoing, but agreed to settle, saying it was to avoid a lengthy and expensive court case.

What do you think of these accusations, company responses and the settlements?

Source: ANN, Top Class Actions

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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.