The New England Patriots LLC has reached a $2.16 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging privacy violations involving its official mobile application. According to the complaint, the app shared users’ personal information, including their viewing habits and precise location data, with third-party companies without obtaining consent. The case, filed under the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), brings attention to the growing concerns about how mobile apps handle user data.
Why the Lawsuit Was Filed
The lawsuit claimed that the Patriots app used third-party technologies to collect and transmit sensitive user information. Court filings revealed that tools such as Google’s Anvato API and the Rover SDK were embedded in the app, allowing the collection of data about what videos users watched and where they were located at the time. This raised significant privacy concerns because the combination of location and viewing activity could identify individual users and track their behaviors in violation of federal privacy laws.
While the Patriots organization did not admit to any wrongdoing, they agreed to settle the case to avoid prolonged legal proceedings. They also committed to making changes to the app to ensure that no geolocation data is shared unless users explicitly grant permission or future laws allow it.
How the Settlement Will Be Distributed
The total settlement amount of $2.16 million will be divided to cover attorney fees, administrative costs, and compensation for users who file valid claims. Up to $720,000 has been set aside for legal fees, while a service award of up to $5,000 will go to the lead plaintiff. The remaining balance of the fund will be distributed among eligible users. Payments will be made either by digital transfer options, such as PayPal or Venmo, or through mailed checks, depending on the claimant’s preference.
Who Can File a Claim
To qualify for compensation, individuals must meet specific criteria. They must reside in the United States and have used the Patriots mobile app between February 1, 2022, and May 30, 2025. In addition, location services must have been enabled while using the app, and at least one prerecorded or replayed video must have been viewed during that time. Users who installed the app before July 11, 2025, may have received a notice with a unique claim ID and PIN to simplify the filing process, but those without a notice can still file by manually confirming their eligibility.
How to Submit Your Claim
Users have two ways to submit a claim. Claims can be filed online through the official settlement website by filling out the digital form and selecting the preferred payment method. Alternatively, claims can be mailed to the settlement administrator at the provided address in Portland, Oregon. Regardless of the submission method, all claims must be filed by November 23, 2025.
Key Dates and Deadlines
There are several important dates for those wishing to participate in the settlement. The deadline to opt out of the settlement is August 28, 2025. A final approval hearing is scheduled for October 9, 2025, after which the court will decide whether to finalize the agreement. Once approved, payouts are expected to be distributed within 90 days, provided there are no appeals that delay the process.
Changes to the Patriots Mobile App
In addition to the monetary settlement, the Patriots have agreed to implement stricter privacy controls within their app. Geolocation data will no longer be shared unless users explicitly agree to updated privacy terms, ensuring greater transparency and compliance with federal privacy laws. This change not only resolves the current dispute but also sets a precedent for stronger data protection measures in the future.
This case underscores the importance of protecting user data in mobile applications and serves as a reminder that organizations must prioritize privacy to maintain user trust. For fans who used the Patriots app during the covered period, this settlement offers both financial compensation and improved safeguards for their personal information.