Supreme Court to decide VPPA consumer definition in Salazar v. Paramount Global

What happened

The Supreme Court will hear Salazar v. Paramount Global in the October 2026 term to resolve a circuit split on the definition of “consumer” under the Video Privacy Protection Act. The case arises from a class action alleging Paramount disclosed a user’s video‑viewing history via a Meta tracking pixel without consent. Lower courts dismissed the claim, with the Sixth Circuit affirming dismissal in April 2025.

Why it matters for trust and compliance

• Its status is pending. The case is still open; the outcome may change what it means.
• The ruling will determine how broadly the VPPA applies to digital video platforms and tracking technologies.
• It relates to VPPA. The regulations library explains what that law requires.

Who is affected

Recommended actions

1. Review consent, cookie and tracking practices against the requirement.
2. Check that privacy notices describe the practices this addresses.
3. Inventory where this data is shared or sold and whether opt-outs are honoured.
4. Inventory AI or automated decision systems in scope and their assessments.