Facebook AARP Class Action Lawsuit Settlement, $12.5 Million Is Being Distributed—Did You Miss Your Share?
AARP agreed to pay $12.5 million to settle claims that it violated the Video Privacy Protection Act by sharing members’ video-viewing data with Facebook through the Meta Pixel tracking tool without proper consent. If you watched videos on AARP.org between September 2020 and September 2025 while having a Facebook account, you could receive between $47 and $237.
What Is the Facebook AARP Class Action Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit centers on a straightforward privacy claim: AARP allegedly tracked what videos its members watched on AARP.org and shared that information with Meta (Facebook’s parent company) without getting proper permission first.
Here’s what happened. Between September 27, 2020, and September 12, 2025, AARP embedded a piece of code called the Meta Pixel on pages of its website that contained video content. This pixel is essentially a tiny tracking tool that monitors user behavior and sends data back to Meta’s servers.
The problem? According to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 4:22-cv-05499-YGR), this tracking violated a federal law specifically designed to protect people’s video-watching privacy.
The Video Privacy Protection Act: Why It Matters
To understand this case, you need to know about the Video Privacy Protection Act, or VPPA. Congress passed this law back in 1988 after a newspaper published Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork’s video rental history from his local Blockbuster. The public was outraged that anyone could access such personal information.
The VPPA makes it illegal for video service providers to share your personally identifiable information about what videos you’ve watched without your written consent. When the law was written, lawmakers were thinking about VHS tapes and rental stores. But courts have consistently ruled that the law applies to online video content too.
The law is pretty specific about what counts as a violation. It prohibits any “video tape service provider” from knowingly disclosing “personally identifiable information” about a consumer’s video viewing habits to third parties without informed, written consent.
The penalties aren’t small either. Companies that violate the VPPA can be hit with up to $2,500 in damages per violation, plus attorney’s fees and other costs. When you’re talking about potentially thousands or millions of users, those numbers add up fast.
What Exactly Did AARP Allegedly Do Wrong?
The plaintiffs in this case—Jan Markels and Allen Ziman—claimed that AARP violated the VPPA in several specific ways.
First, they said AARP installed the Meta Pixel on its website pages that contained video content. This pixel tracked when users watched videos and collected information about which specific videos they viewed.
Second, the pixel allegedly transmitted users’ Facebook Profile IDs along with the titles and URLs of the videos they watched directly to Meta’s servers. Your Facebook Profile ID is essentially a unique identifier that Facebook uses to connect data back to your specific account.
Third—and this is the key point—AARP allegedly did all this without obtaining proper consent from users. The VPPA requires “informed, written consent” that is “in a form distinct and separate from any form setting forth other legal or financial obligations.” In other words, you can’t just bury consent in a general privacy policy. It needs to be clear, separate, and specific.
The lawsuit claimed that with just a Facebook Profile ID and video information, Meta could easily identify exactly which AARP members watched which videos. According to court documents, Facebook Profile IDs can reveal personally identifiable information including a user’s name, gender, date of birth, residence, employment, family members, interests, and photos.
How the Meta Pixel Actually Works
Understanding what the Meta Pixel does helps explain why this became a legal issue.
The Meta Pixel is a small piece of JavaScript code that website owners can embed in their site’s HTML. When someone visits a webpage with the pixel installed, their browser automatically loads this code and sends information back to Meta’s servers.
Website operators use the Meta Pixel to track how effective their Facebook and Instagram ads are. The pixel can monitor various “events” like page views, purchases, sign-ups, and—relevant to this case—video views.
Here’s how it works in practice. Say you’re an AARP member browsing AARP.org while logged into Facebook. You click on a video about retirement planning. The Meta Pixel on that page fires, sending data to Meta that includes your Facebook ID and information about the video you just watched.
Meta can then connect that data to your Facebook profile. This allows AARP to create “custom audiences” for targeted advertising and helps Meta build detailed profiles of user interests and behaviors across the internet.
About 47 percent of websites use Meta Pixel, including 55 percent of companies in the S&P 500. It’s become a standard tool for digital marketing. But as this lawsuit shows, using it on video content can create legal problems if done without proper consent.
Who Filed the Lawsuit and Why?
The lawsuit was filed on September 27, 2022, by two named plaintiffs: Jan Markels from San Francisco, California, and Allen Ziman from Warwick, Rhode Island. Both are AARP members who paid approximately $16 per year in membership fees.
They brought the case as a class action, meaning they sued not just on their own behalf but also on behalf of everyone else in similar situations. The class includes anyone who requested or obtained video content on AARP.org between September 27, 2020, and September 12, 2025, while in the United States, had a Facebook account at the time, and was either an AARP member or registered user of AARP.org.
Their attorneys, from the law firm Girard Sharp LLP, alleged violations of the Video Privacy Protection Act, California’s Unfair Competition Law, Rhode Island’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and unjust enrichment.
The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the Northern District of California.
AARP’s Response to the Allegations
AARP strongly denied all allegations in the lawsuit. The organization filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the plaintiffs’ claims didn’t meet the legal standards required under the VPPA.
In court filings, AARP maintained that it did nothing improper or unlawful. The organization argued that even if the Meta Pixel collected some data, that didn’t necessarily constitute a VPPA violation.
However, on August 29, 2023, Judge Rogers issued an order that granted AARP’s motion to dismiss in part but also denied it in part, giving the plaintiffs leave to amend their complaint. This meant the case could move forward.
The judge’s ruling was significant because it came during a wave of similar VPPA lawsuits targeting websites that use the Meta Pixel. Courts across the country were grappling with how to apply a 1988 law designed for video rental stores to modern digital tracking technologies.
After the motion to dismiss was partially denied, the litigation continued with discovery, depositions, and case management conferences throughout 2023 and 2024.
The Settlement Agreement: Key Terms
Rather than continue fighting in court, AARP agreed to settle the case for $12.5 million. The settlement received preliminary approval from the court on September 12, 2025.
Here’s what the settlement includes:
Settlement Amount: AARP will pay $12.5 million into a settlement fund. However, not all of that money goes directly to class members. The fund must first cover settlement administration costs, attorney fees and costs, and service awards to the named plaintiffs. After those deductions, the remaining amount will be divided equally among all approved claimants.
Estimated Payments: Based on similar cases, class counsel estimates that eligible class members could receive between $47 and $237 each. The actual amount depends on how many valid claims are filed. More claims means smaller individual payments.
Changes to AARP’s Practices: As part of the settlement, AARP agreed to limit or discontinue the use of Meta Pixel tracking tools on certain video pages to help prevent similar privacy issues in the future. However, AARP preserved its ability to obtain VPPA-compliant consent or use the Meta Pixel in ways that don’t disclose information identifying specific videos users watched.
No Admission of Wrongdoing: The settlement agreement explicitly states that AARP denies all allegations and does not admit any violation of law. The settlement is not an admission of liability.
Do You Qualify for Compensation?
To qualify for a payment from the settlement, you must meet all four of these requirements:
1. Video Viewing: You requested or obtained video content on AARP.org between September 27, 2020, and September 12, 2025.
2. Location: You were physically present in the United States when you accessed the video content.
3. Facebook Account: You had an active Facebook account at the time you watched videos on AARP.org.
4. AARP Connection: You were either an AARP member or a registered user of AARP.org during the time period when you watched videos.
You don’t need to have paid for AARP membership to qualify. Registered users of AARP.org who watched videos while having a Facebook account are also included in the settlement class.
Important note: Simply having a Facebook profile isn’t enough. You must have actually watched video content on AARP.org while logged into your Facebook account during the specified time period.
How to File Your Claim
Filing a claim is straightforward, but you need to pay attention to the details and the deadline.
Claim Deadline: You must submit your claim by December 31, 2025. This is a hard deadline. Claims submitted after this date won’t be accepted.
How to File Online:
1. Go to the official settlement website at www.AARPSettlement.com
2. If you received a notice by mail or email, you may have been assigned a unique ID and PIN. Enter these if you have them.
3. If you didn’t receive a notice but believe you qualify, you can still file a claim. Contact the settlement administrator at [email protected] or call 833-417-4887 to request credentials.
4. Fill out the online claim form with your name, email address, and other required information.
5. You’ll need to provide your Facebook profile link to verify that you had an active Facebook account during the class period. Instructions for finding your Facebook profile link are in question 14 of the settlement website’s FAQ section.
6. Attest that you viewed videos on AARP.org during the class period.
7. Submit your claim.
Filing by Mail: Alternatively, you can download a PDF of the claim form from the settlement website, fill it out, print it, and mail it to:
AARP VPPA Settlement c/o Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 25226
Santa Ana, CA 92799
Critical Reminder: All claims are submitted under penalty of perjury. Providing false or inaccurate information can result in disqualification or potential legal action. Only file a claim if you genuinely meet all the eligibility requirements.
What Happens Next: Timeline and Final Approval
Here’s what to expect in the coming months:
February 10, 2026: The court will hold a final approval hearing to determine whether to approve the settlement. At this hearing, the judge will review any objections, consider whether the settlement is fair and adequate, and decide whether to grant final approval.
After Final Approval: If the court approves the settlement and there are no appeals, the settlement administrator will begin processing claims and distributing payments. This typically takes several weeks to a few months after final approval.
If There Are Appeals: If anyone appeals the settlement approval, the payment process could be delayed until all appeals are resolved. This could extend the timeline by several months or even longer.
Payment Method: According to the settlement website, eligible class members will have the option to receive their payout via check or electronic payment.
The settlement administrator will notify approved claimants by email or mail once payments are ready to be distributed.
Your Rights Under the Settlement
If you’re a class member, you have several options:
Option 1: Submit a Claim
File a valid claim form by December 31, 2025, to receive a payment if eligible. By doing this, you give up your right to sue AARP separately over the same issues covered by the settlement.
Option 2: Do Nothing
If you do nothing, you will remain in the settlement class and will be bound by the settlement agreement, but you won’t receive any payment. You’ll also give up your right to sue AARP separately about these issues.
Option 3: Opt Out
You can exclude yourself from the settlement by December 31, 2025. If you opt out, you won’t receive any payment from the settlement, but you’ll keep your right to sue AARP separately over these claims. To opt out, you can fill out the online form on the settlement website or send a letter via first-class U.S. mail stating that you want to opt out of the settlement in Markels et al. v. AARP.
Option 4: Object
You can object to the settlement by December 31, 2025, if you remain in the settlement class but disagree with some aspect of it. Your objection must explain why you think the court shouldn’t approve the settlement. If you object, you can still receive a payment if the settlement is approved.
What Legal Experts Say About the Case
This case is part of a massive wave of VPPA litigation targeting websites that use tracking pixels. As of March 2025, at least 28 new VPPA cases had been filed, continuing a trend that saw around 200 such cases filed annually in recent years.
Legal experts note that the VPPA has been “reincarnated” from its original purpose of protecting video rental records to now challenging digital tracking practices. What makes these cases tricky is that they involve applying a 1988 law written for VHS tapes to modern streaming and tracking technologies that didn’t exist when the law was passed.
Courts have split on key issues in VPPA cases. One major debate is what counts as “personally identifiable information.” The Third, Ninth, and Second Circuits use an “ordinary person” standard, asking whether the information would readily permit an ordinary person to identify someone’s video-watching behavior. The First Circuit uses a broader “reasonable foreseeability” standard.
Another debate centers on who qualifies as a “consumer” or “subscriber” under the VPPA. Some courts require a direct financial relationship or subscription specifically for video content. Others take a broader view, finding that even free newsletter subscriptions can be enough.
Privacy attorneys see cases like this as part of a larger trend toward holding companies accountable for data-sharing practices. With tracking pixels embedded on nearly half of all websites, including a majority of major corporations, the potential exposure is enormous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m an AARP member but I’m not sure if I watched videos on AARP.org. Should I file a claim?
A: Only file a claim if you actually remember watching video content on AARP.org during the relevant time period (September 27, 2020, to September 12, 2025) while having an active Facebook account. Remember, you’re submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. If you’re unsure, review your browsing history or contact the settlement administrator for guidance.
Q: What if I deleted my Facebook account? Can I still file a claim?
A: Yes, as long as you had a Facebook account during the time when you watched videos on AARP.org. You’ll need to provide your last known Facebook profile link when filing your claim.
Q: Will I receive the full $12.5 million?
A: No. The $12.5 million settlement fund will be divided among all valid claimants after deducting administration costs, attorney fees, and service awards. Based on similar cases, individual payments are estimated at between $47 and $237, but the actual amount could be higher or lower depending on the number of claims filed.
Q: When will I receive my payment?
A: Payments won’t be distributed until after the court grants final approval at the February 10, 2026 hearing and any appeals are resolved. This could take several months or longer.
Q: Do I need proof that I watched videos on AARP.org?
A: The claim form asks you to attest under penalty of perjury that you watched videos on AARP.org during the class period. You’ll need to provide your Facebook profile link to verify you had an active account. The settlement administrator may verify claims against AARP’s records.
Q: What if I opt out of the settlement?
A: If you opt out by December 31, 2025, you won’t receive any payment from the settlement, but you’ll preserve your right to sue AARP separately over these claims. Most class members don’t opt out because individual lawsuits are expensive and uncertain.
Q: Can I hire my own lawyer for this settlement?
A: Class counsel (Simon Grille of Girard Sharp LLP) represents all class members collectively. If you want your own lawyer, you may hire one at your own expense, but it’s generally not necessary for participating in the settlement.
Q: Will this affect my AARP membership?
A: No. Filing a claim or being part of the settlement class does not affect your AARP membership status or benefits in any way.
Q: Is this settlement a scam?
A: No. This is a legitimate court-approved class action settlement. The official website is www.AARPSettlement.com. Be cautious of any emails or websites claiming to help you file for a fee—you can file for free on your own.
Q: What happens if I do nothing?
A: If you don’t file a claim, you won’t receive any payment. You’ll still be bound by the settlement, meaning you give up your right to sue AARP separately over these issues.
Lessons for Websites and Businesses
For website operators and businesses, this case offers several important lessons.
First, be extremely careful when using tracking pixels on pages with video content. The VPPA has real teeth, and the statutory damages can add up quickly in class action settings.
Second, privacy policies alone aren’t enough. The VPPA requires separate, informed, written consent for sharing video viewing data. You can’t just bury consent in general terms of service.
Third, understand what data your tracking tools actually collect and transmit. Many companies install pixels without fully understanding what information gets shared with third parties.
Fourth, consider the risk-reward trade-off of using third-party tracking tools. The analytics and advertising benefits need to be weighed against potential litigation exposure.
Fifth, stay current on legal developments. VPPA case law is evolving rapidly, with courts taking different approaches across jurisdictions. What was safe last year might be risky today.
Sixth, consider implementing explicit consent mechanisms for video tracking. Some companies are now using pop-up consent forms specifically for video content to comply with the VPPA.
Finally, review and update your arbitration agreements. Many companies are discovering that strong arbitration clauses can help avoid class action exposure, though mass arbitrations present their own challenges.
Resources and Additional Information
If you need more information about the settlement, here are the key resources:
Official Settlement Website: www.AARPSettlement.com
This is the primary source for information about the settlement, including FAQs, claim forms, and important documents.
Settlement Administrator:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 833-417-4887
Mailing Address:
AARP VPPA Settlement c/o Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 25226
Santa Ana, CA 92799
Class Counsel:
Simon S. Grille
Girard Sharp LLP
601 California Street, Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 981-4800
Email: [email protected]
Court Documents:
You can access court filings through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system at www.pacer.gov. The case number is 4:22-cv-05499-YGR in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
Related Legal Information:
– Video Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2710)
– ClassAction.org (tracks class action settlements)
– TopClassActions.com (reports on settlements)
Conclusion: What You Should Do Now
If you’re potentially eligible for this settlement, here’s what you should do:
1. Determine Your Eligibility: Review the requirements carefully. Did you watch videos on AARP.org between September 27, 2020, and September 12, 2025? Did you have a Facebook account at the time? Were you an AARP member or registered user?
2. Gather Information: Locate your Facebook profile link. You’ll need this to file a claim. Instructions are available on the settlement website.
3. File Your Claim: Don’t wait until the last minute. The deadline is December 31, 2025. Go to www.AARPSettlement.com and complete the online claim form. Or download, print, and mail the form if you prefer.
4. Keep Records: Save a copy of your claim confirmation for your records. Note the confirmation number if one is provided.
5. Mark Your Calendar: The final approval hearing is on February 10, 2026. While you don’t need to attend, this is when the court will decide whether to approve the settlement.
6. Be Patient: After final approval, it will take time to process claims and distribute payments. Don’t expect immediate payment.
7. Watch for Communications: The settlement administrator may contact you if there are questions about your claim. Make sure your email address and contact information are current.
8. Protect Your Privacy: Consider reviewing your privacy settings on Facebook and other social media platforms. Think about whether you want to use browser extensions that block tracking pixels.
The AARP Facebook class action lawsuit represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate about digital privacy and data tracking. While the settlement doesn’t establish legal precedent—since it’s an agreement rather than a court ruling—it does show that organizations can face real consequences for sharing user data without proper consent.
Whether you file a claim or not, this case serves as a reminder that your online activity is being tracked more extensively than you might realize. The Meta Pixel is just one of many tools that collect data about your browsing, viewing, and purchasing behavior across the internet.
As more companies face similar lawsuits and more consumers become aware of tracking practices, we may see changes in how businesses approach online privacy. In the meantime, knowing your rights and understanding what data is being collected gives you more control over your digital footprint.
The December 31, 2025 deadline is firm, so if you’re eligible and want to participate, don’t delay. Mark your calendar, gather your information, and file your claim. The process is straightforward, and it only takes a few minutes to potentially receive compensation for privacy violations that affected millions of users.
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*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions about your situation, consult with an attorney. All information is based on publicly available court documents and settlement materials as of December 2025.*
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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