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Books-A-Million Data Privacy Investigation
Books-A-Million may be violating federal privacy law by sharing customer data with third parties such as Google and TikTok. Webster Book LLP is investigating whether these actions violate the federal Video Privacy Protection Act.
What is Books-A-Million doing with my data?
Webster Book has examined the code on the Books-A-Million website and has discovered that Books-A-Million transmits to third parties the personal information of website visitors. Specifically, the Books-A-Million website uses multiple intrusive techniques designed to gather customer data that is disclosed to third parties automatically, including the following:
- BAM uses ad trackers to either build your advertising profile or to identify you for ad targeting on this site;
- BAM uses third-party cookies commonly used by advertising tracking companies to profile you based on your internet usage;
- BAM uses canvas whitewashing to identify users even if they block third-party cookies and can be used to track users’ behavior across sites; and
- BAM uses pixels, which disclose information to third parties regarding your actions on the website. Pixels track your web browsing activity such as viewing a page or specific content, adding payment information, or making a purchase.
- BAM uses Google Analytics, which can provide developers and website owners with information on how their audience is engaging with their website. But the tool also allows the website to make custom audience lists based on user behavior and then target ads to those visitors across the internet using Google Ads and Display & Video 360.
What is the federal Video Privacy Protection Act?
The federal Video Privacy Protection Act (known as the VPPA for short) prohibits sellers of pre-recorded audio-visual materials, such as movies or videos, to disclose personally identifying information regarding customers. Based on the analysis of the Books-A-Million website, it appears Books-A-Million is disclosing what movies a customer browses before purchase, the fact that a particular movie is added to a customer’s cart, and the fact that a customer purchases a specific movie.
Potential damages for VPPA violations include:
- Actual damages but not less than liquidated damages in an amount of $2,500 for each violation of the VPPA;
- Punitive damages; and
- Reasonable attorneys’ fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred.
How can I find out if I am entitled to compensation?
Please fill out the contact form below or call us at 888-987-9991, Extension 2. We can then discuss whether you may have a claim for compensation.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING: Webster Book LLP is responsible for the content of this website. 300 N. Washington St., Suite 404, Alexandria, VA 22314 (888) 987-9991.
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