What Is
What Is the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA)?
The Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), 18 U.S.C. 2710, restricts a covered video provider's knowing disclosure of a consumer's personally identifiable viewing information, subject to statutory exceptions and consent conditions. A video tape service provider is a business engaged in the rental, sale, or delivery of prerecorded video cassette tapes or similar audiovisual materials (18 U.S.C. 2710(a)(4)). A provider that knowingly discloses personally identifiable information about a consumer, including the specific video materials the consumer requested or obtained, is liable to that consumer (18 U.S.C. 2710(b)(1)). A court may award actual damages but not less than $2,500 in liquidated damages, plus punitive damages and attorney's fees (18 U.S.C. 2710(c)(2)).
A provider may disclose with the consumer's informed, written consent, given electronically if the statute's conditions are met (18 U.S.C. 2710(b)(2)(B)). The consent must be in a form distinct and separate from any other legal or financial obligation, given either when the disclosure is sought or in advance for no more than two years or until withdrawn, whichever is sooner, with a clear and conspicuous opportunity to withdraw. In Salazar v. Paramount Global (No. 25-459), the Supreme Court heard argument on October 14, 2026, on the meaning of consumer under the Act; no decision has issued, and a decision is expected in 2027.
Pinpoint: 18 U.S.C. ยง 2710. Related term: Video Privacy Protection Act (Video Privacy Protection Act).