Television manufacturer Vizio has announced a $17 million settlement in a class action lawsuit stemming from privacy issues involving its products.
According to the lawsuit, some people who bought Vizio smart TVs claim the company violated privacy and consumer protection laws by collecting information, called “Viewing Data,” about what was seen on the devices from Feb. 1, 2014 to Feb. 6, 2017.
Vizio denies those allegations, but will pay $17 million into a settlement fund related to the lawsuit. It will also delete all Viewing Data collected during the class period.
Funds from the settlement are available to people who bought one of the Smart TVs for home or personal use, and had it connected to the Internet during the above time period.
The company also now provides a notice of Viewing Data collection, and asks for consent before collecting the information.
Vizio has set up a website with more information on the settlement. Customers who are part of the class can also file a claim at the website.
Class members have until April 29 to file a claim. Vizio estimates affected customers will collect between $13 and $31 per television.
Only one purchaser per Smart TV can submit a claim, but those who bought more than one qualifying television can file a claim for each TV.
Those who are not sure if they are included in the class can call 877-252–4685.
