The New England Patriots have agreed to a $2.16 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit regarding alleged privacy violations in their official mobile app. The case centered on claims that the app shared users’ personal data, including video viewing activity and GPS location, with third parties without consent. Eligible users may receive financial compensation if they submit claims before the November 23, 2025 deadline.
The lawsuit, filed under the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), highlights growing legal scrutiny of how sports franchises and other organizations handle consumer data collected through mobile applications. The settlement also includes measures to improve privacy practices moving forward.
Table of Contents
Third-Party Tools at the Center of the Dispute
At the heart of the lawsuit are two embedded software tools: Google’s Anvato API and the Rover SDK. These technologies reportedly collected user data whenever video content was streamed or replayed on the app while location services were enabled. The information was then shared with external partners, prompting claims that users’ consent had not been properly obtained.
The VPPA, originally designed to protect video rental records, has expanded in recent years to cover digital video services. This case underscores how federal protections now extend to mobile app video streaming and the collection of associated personal information.
Settlement Fund Distribution and Expected Payouts
The $2.16 million settlement is allocated to cover legal fees, administrative costs, class representative compensation, and payments to approved claimants. The exact payout for each user will depend on the number of valid claims received.
| Settlement Use | Estimated Allocation |
|---|---|
| Total Fund Value | $2,160,000 |
| Legal Fees and Attorney Costs | Up to $720,000 |
| Class Representative Compensation | Up to $5,000 |
| Administrative and Notice Costs | To be determined |
| Available for Claimants | Remaining balance |
Once all deductions are made, the remaining funds will be distributed to class members who meet eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Criteria and Filing Instructions
Eligible participants must:
- Be U.S. residents during the class period from February 1, 2022, to May 30, 2025
- Have used the Patriots mobile app during that period
- Had location services enabled while using the app
- Viewed prerecorded or replayed video content through the app
Claims can be submitted online through the official settlement website, using a claim ID and PIN if available, or mailed to: Serra v. New England Patriots LLC Settlement Administrator P.O. Box 2448, Portland, OR 97208-2448
Payments to approved claimants may be issued via PayPal, Venmo, or mailed checks.
Key Legal Dates and Settlement Timeline
Several important milestones guide the resolution of the lawsuit:
- Claim Deadline: November 23, 2025
- Opt-Out Deadline: August 28, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: October 9, 2025
- Expected Payments: Within 90 days after final court approval and resolution of any appeals
These dates are critical for users wishing to participate in the settlement and secure compensation.
Privacy Improvements Required by Settlement
Under the agreement, the Patriots must cease sharing geolocation data without explicit user consent. App users will now be presented with an updated privacy policy, and data collection is restricted unless accepted by the individual. This measure aims to prevent future privacy concerns while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations.
FAQ
Q1: Who is eligible to submit a claim?
A1: Users who are U.S. residents, used the Patriots mobile app between February 1, 2022, and May 30, 2025, had location services enabled, and viewed video content are eligible.
Q2: How can I submit a claim?
A2: Claims can be submitted online via the official settlement website or by mailing a printed form to the settlement administrator.
Q3: What are the payment options?
A3: Approved claimants may receive payment through PayPal, Venmo, or a mailed check.
Q4: What is the deadline to file a claim?
A4: All claims must be submitted by November 23, 2025.
Q5: Will the Patriots continue sharing my data?
A5: No, the settlement requires that geolocation data cannot be shared without explicit user consent under the updated privacy policy.
