(The Center Square) - The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to decide how a 1988 video privacy law applies to the modern age.
Salazar v. Paramount Global seeks to challenge the 1988 Video Privacy Protection Act's definition of "consumer" in reference to all goods and services or only audiovisual goods and services provided by a video tape service provider.
Michael Salazar subscribed to Paramount's online newsletter to view videos. According to Salazar's lawyers, Paramount shared his Facebook ID and video-watching history to Meta.
The primary issue in litigation is how the VPPA defines the term "consumer." In the legislation drafted by Congress, "consumer" is defined as "a subscriber of goods or services from a video tape service provider."
The argument lies in whether the statute refers to all goods and services or specifically audiovisual goods or services.
"The VPPA broadly prohibits a video tape service provider—like Paramount here—from knowingly disclosing 'personally identifiable information concerning any consumer of such provider,'” lawyers for Salazar wrote.
Lawyers for Paramount Global argue that Salazar had access to content on its 247Sports platform, which was available to anyone on the internet.
"All Salazar allegedly did was sign up for a free, written email newsletter. That is not a 'video cassette tape or similar audio visual material,' so he is not a 'consumer' under the statute," lawyers for Paramount wrote in a brief to the Supreme Court.
The law originated after a journalist obtained the video rental records of Robert Bork, a nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. Congress cited privacy concerns as technology evolved and "revolutionized our world."
In an era of streaming and video rentals, justices on the nation's highest court will likely provide clarity for consumer privacy protections through this case.
Originally published on thecentersquare.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented