If you know what Crunchyroll is, then you're clearly an avid anime fan, as the streaming service is considered to be the Netflix of all things relating to Japanese animation.
However, last year the Sony-owned platform was put under the microscope, after it was accused of violating user's privacy rights, by sharing data with third parties.
As a result of these allegations, the company has now agreed to pay Crunchyroll customers around $30 each. Here's how to get your share.
Why is Crunchyroll Paying its Customers?
In September 2022, legal action was taken against Sony and Crunchyroll, alleging that it had shared personal customer data with third parties including Facebook, Google, Adobe and others. . The case is Beltran, et al. v. Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. d/b/a Crunchyroll; Case No.: 1:22-cv-04858.
Sony/Crunchyroll has denied the allegations throughout the process, stating that it has not violated any law, and while the court has not sided with either party, the streaming service has agreed to a settlement payment.
As a result, around $16 million has been earmarked for payments, with each recipient expected to receive around $30 each, provided they meet the criteria.
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How to Claim Your Crunchyroll Settlement Compensation
The claims process is now open, and you can make your settlement claim here.
However, before you can make a claim, you must make sure that you fit both of the below conditions:
- You were a registered user of an online website, mobile app, or any video-on-demand service or app owned, controlled, and/or operated by Crunchyroll, and,
- You viewed videos on an online website, mobile app, or any video-on-demand service or app owned, controlled, and/or operated by Crunchyroll during the Class Period.
The important bit is the date that the settlement covers. You must have been a Crunchyroll customer between September 8, 2022, and September 20, 2023.
When Is the Deadline to Apply for the Crunchyroll Settlement?
Customers have until December 12th, 2023 to file their claim.
The process involved filling out the form on the settlement website, but your reward for that should be around $30. However, it's worth noting that this is an estimate, and that final payments can fluctuate slightly.
As for when you'll get your cash, the final approval date is December 19th, 2023, and successful claimants are expected to receive their money within a 90-day period after this.