LA Times CIPA Tracker Settlement – California Readers File by May 20, 2026
The Los Angeles Times — a publication built on the idea that people have a right to know what's going on — apparently installed three tracking technologies on its readers' browsers without telling them. A $3.85 million class action settlement is now available to anyone who accessed the LA Times website or app in California between January 31, 2023 and December 19, 2025. File your claim by May 20, 2026.
What happened
Class period: January 31, 2023 through December 19, 2025
The Los Angeles Times is in the business of watching the world and reporting what it finds. Turns out it was also watching you.
A class action lawsuit alleged that the LA Times installed three third-party trackers — the TripleLift Tracker, GumGum Tracker, and Audiencerate Tracker — on visitors' browsers without their knowledge or consent. The lawsuit claims this violated Section 638.51(a) of the California Invasion of Privacy Act, which prohibits the use of "pen registers" to record electronic communications without consent.
The LA Times denies any wrongdoing. The Court has not ruled on who is right.
Rather than continue the litigation, the parties agreed to a $3.85 million settlement. If you accessed the LA Times website or mobile app in California between January 31, 2023 and December 19, 2025, you are likely a class member and eligible to file a claim.
What you can get
Settlement Payment
Pro rata share of $3.85M fund
Amount depends on the total number of valid claims filed
Payment method
Check, PayPal, or Venmo
You select your preferred method when filing your claim
Payment timing
90 days after final approval
Checks expire 180 days after issuance — cash or redeem promptly
Key dates
| Action | Date | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Claim deadline | May 20, 2026 | Last day to file a claim |
| Opt out | April 22, 2026 | Keep your right to sue separately |
| Object | April 22, 2026 | Tell the court you disagree |
| Final hearing | June 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PT, via Zoom | Judge decides whether to approve |
Who may qualify
- You accessed the LA Times website (latimes.com or any subdomain) or its mobile app in California
- You accessed it at any point between January 31, 2023 and December 19, 2025
- You are a natural person (not a business entity)
How to file
- Visit latimescipasettlement.com and click "Submit a Claim"
- Complete the online claim form — it takes only a few minutes
- Select your preferred payment method: check, PayPal, or Venmo
- Alternatively, download and print a paper claim form from the Documents page and mail it postmarked by May 20, 2026
- Submit online by 11:59 p.m. PT on May 20, 2026, or postmark your paper form by the same date
Proof required
- No documentation is required to submit your claim
- You simply attest that you accessed the LA Times website or app in California during the class period
Payment timing
Payments will be issued approximately 90 days after the Court grants final approval at the June 26, 2026 hearing and any appeals are resolved. Payment is made by check, PayPal, or Venmo — your choice when filing. Checks expire 180 days after issuance, so redeem promptly.
Important links
Contact
Extra details
No proof is required — if you read the LA Times online in California during the class period, that is all you need to file.
Payment amounts are pro rata, meaning the more people who file, the smaller each individual share. Filing sooner does not increase your share, but filing at all does.
You can receive payment digitally via PayPal or Venmo if you prefer not to wait for a check.
If you do nothing, you receive no payment and give up your right to sue the LA Times over these tracking practices.
FAQ
I read the LA Times online in California. Is that really all I need to qualify?
How much will I receive?
What trackers were installed and what did they do?
Can I get paid via PayPal or Venmo?
What happens if I do nothing?
Info only. Verify details on the official site. Not legal, financial, or tax advice. Legal
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