The Video Privacy Protection Act, enacted after Judge Bork's nomination saga, is now being cited against Weigel Broadcasting for data sharing with Facebook, showcasing its shift from consumer protection to a tool for class-action lawsuits. The act, originally intended to protect video rental privacy, faces criticism as technology has evolved far beyond its initial scope, with lawmakers struggling to adapt privacy laws to modern realities. This has led to unintended consequences, including the stifling of innovation and the emergence of protective laws that inadvertently empower litigation instead of safeguarding consumer interests.
Fast forward to 2025, and the same law is being invoked to attack Weigel Broadcasting, a Chicago media company said to have shared data from its free MeTV platform with the parent of Facebook to make online advertising more effective.
For decades, lawmakers have struggled to protect privacy rights in the face of technology that advances at light speed. MeTV, for instance, is being targeted under a law written to protect Americans against disclosures from 'video tape service providers'.
While this page supported the effort to rein in businesses abusing such incredibly personal information, the result has been a feast for plaintiffs' lawyers, curbing innovation and potentially depriving Illinois residents of cutting-edge products and services in the future.
By now, Americans should be aware that practically every keystroke on every website could potentially be tracked by those with an economic interest in their online activities.
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