In a major legal battle that has garnered national attention, tech giant Google is facing a class-action lawsuit in Illinois for allegedly violating the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). This lawsuit, which was filed in 2023, underscores Illinois’ strict stance on protecting residents’ biometric data and holds companies accountable for how they collect, store, and share personal information.
Understanding BIPA
Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act, passed in 2008, was the first law in the United States to establish regulations around the collection and use of biometric data. BIPA requires companies to obtain written consent before collecting any biometric identifiers, including fingerprints, facial recognition data, and retina scans. It also mandates that companies clearly disclose their data retention policies and securely store biometric information.
Allegations Against Google
The lawsuit against Google centers around the company’s facial recognition technology, which is embedded in services such as Google Photos. The plaintiffs in the case claim that Google violated BIPA by collecting and storing users’ facial recognition data without proper consent or transparency. According to the lawsuit, Google automatically scans and categorizes users’ photos by using facial recognition technology, but fails to obtain the necessary written consent as required by Illinois law.
The class-action suit argues that Google’s actions represent a blatant disregard for BIPA’s provisions and that the company should be held liable for damages. Under BIPA, companies found in violation of the law can face fines of up to $1,000 per violation if negligent or $5,000 per violation if intentional.
The Broader Impact of the Case
This lawsuit is one of many filed against large tech companies under BIPA in recent years, with companies like Facebook and TikTok also facing similar allegations. Given Illinois’ strong privacy protections, this case could set a precedent for how biometric data is regulated across the country.
Legal experts suggest that if Google is found to have violated BIPA, it could face massive financial penalties and be forced to change its data collection practices not only in Illinois but nationwide. This case serves as a warning to other companies about the importance of adhering to biometric privacy laws, especially in states with stringent protections like Illinois.
Carly Guzman, a 27-year-old fitness coach from Denver, Colorado, now resides in Dallas, Texas, with her fiancé and two Pitbulls, Zoey and Axel. Surrounded by the beauty of the Rockies, Carly’s love for nature influenced her active lifestyle. A UCLA business graduate, Carly blends her academic background with a passion for health and wellness, building a successful career in fitness coaching. Known for her holistic approach, she also writes the Fitness column for all Beacon Star’s, inspiring others to lead healthier lives through personalized fitness and motivation.
