The HYP3R Instagram Privacy Breach Class Action has reached a settlement, marking a significant moment for Canadian Instagram users affected by privacy breaches. In 2020, Hammerco Lawyers initiated a class action lawsuit in the Federal British Columbia Supreme Court against HYP3R for mishandling Canadian users’ personal details without consent.
This lawsuit accuses HYP3R, a US-based marketing firm, of compiling, exploiting, and retaining personal information from Instagram users unlawly. The Federal Supreme Court has approved the settlement payment to all affected Canadian users. The lawsuit highlights a breach of the Biometric Privacy Act by Meta Company, indicating a serious violation of privacy rights.
Summary of HYP3R Instagram Settlement
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Lawsuit Against | HYP3R for privacy breach of Canadian Instagram users |
| Court | Federal British Columbia Supreme Court |
| Settlement Amount | $68.5 million |
| Payment Dates | Starting from Feb 2024 |
| Eligibility Period | Aug 10, 2015, to Aug 16, 2023 |
| Claim Submission Deadline | Sep 27, 2023 |
| Who Can Claim | Canadian residents affected by the privacy breach |
Lawsuit Background and Allegations
The HYP3R Instagram Privacy Breach Class Action centers on serious allegations against Meta Company for violating the Biometric Privacy Act. This lawsuit signifies a crucial legal development concerning the misuse of biometric data on social media platforms. It also stresses the need for companies to secure user consent before handling personal data.
Settlement Payment Dates and Amount
In 2024, the court ordered HYP3R to pay C$24.9 million in damages for the privacy breach. The payment period is from Aug 10, 2015, to Aug 16, 2023, with the final hearing’s conclusion setting the start of payments in February 2024. This settlement aims to compensate the affected Canadian Instagram users fairly.
Amount Distribution
The total settlement amount is $68.5 million, to be distributed among claimants based on the number of valid claims submitted. This settlement includes expenses for managing and distributing the claims, legal fees, and related taxes. It ensures that affected users receive a portion of the fund as compensation.
Eligibility and Claim Process
All Canadian residents whose personal details were compromised during the specified period are eligible to claim their part of the settlement. The claim process involves verifying Instagram usage between August 10, 2015, and August 16, 2023, filling out a claim form, and submitting it before the September 2023 deadline.
Conclusion
The HYP3R Instagram Privacy Breach Class Action Settlement is a landmark case for digital privacy rights in Canada. It underscores the importance of user consent in data handling and offers a precedent for future cases involving privacy breaches on social media platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HYP3R Instagram Privacy Breach Class Action?
It’s a lawsuit against HYP3R for unlawfully handling Canadian Instagram users’ personal details without consent.
How much is the settlement amount?
The settlement amount is $68.5 million, to be distributed among eligible claimants.
Who can claim the settlement?
Canadian residents affected by the privacy breach during the specified period are eligible to claim.
What are the payment dates for the settlement?
Payments are expected to start from February 2024, following the final hearing’s conclusion.
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