Facebook Biometric Settlement: What You Need to Know
The Facebook Biometric Settlement is a proposed settlement agreement between Facebook and Illinois residents who sued the company for using facial recognition technology without their consent. The settlement is expected to provide class members with a $550 million fund for payments and other relief. This article is premised on what you need to know about Facebook biometric settlement.
It also requires Facebook to make changes to its facial recognition practices, such as providing Illinois users with the ability to turn off the technology and obtaining express consent before using it. The settlement includes a monitoring program to ensure compliance with the new requirements. If approved, the settlement would resolve the class action lawsuit filed by Illinois residents in 2015.
Origin of the Facebook Biometric Settlement?
The Facebook Biometric Settlement was proposed in July 2019 in response to a class-action lawsuit brought against Facebook in 2015 by Illinois residents. The lawsuit alleged that Facebook violated an Illinois law called the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).
The law requires companies to notify people before collecting biometric information and to obtain individuals’ consent prior to such collection. The lawsuit alleged that Facebook violated BIPA by using facial recognition technology to collect biometric information from its users without their explicit consent.
Who are the beneficiaries of the Facebook Biometric Settlement?
The beneficiaries of the Facebook Biometric Settlement are users of Facebook in the United States who had their facial recognition information collected by Facebook for use in its “Tag Suggestions” feature between June 7, 2011, and September 23, 2019.
How can you qualify for the Facebook Biometric Settlement?
To qualify for the Facebook Biometric Settlement, you must be a resident of the United States and have had a Facebook account prior to September 23, 2019.
You must also have had your biometric data (including “faceprints”) collected and stored by Facebook without your consent during the period between June 7, 2011, and August 19, 2019. The claims period for the settlement ended on May 29, 2020.
What are the benefits of the Facebook Biometric Settlement?
1. Increased Security
Facebook’s biometric settlement system provides an added layer of security for users, as it requires users to use biometric identifiers such as fingerprints or facial recognition to access their accounts and make payments.
2. Convenience
Facebook’s biometric settlement system is extremely convenient, as it requires no extra steps or additional login information.
3. Much Faster
Biometric settlement is much faster than traditional payment methods, as users don’t have to wait for the payment to process.
4. Reduced Transaction Costs
Biometric settlement reduces transaction costs for users, as there is no need to pay processing fees or wait for the payment to process.
5. Increased Accuracy
Biometric settlement is more accurate than traditional payment methods, as it prevents fraud and ensures that the right person is making the payment.
6. Improved User Experience
Facebook’s biometric settlement system provides a better user experience, as users don’t have to remember login information or wait for a payment to process.
7. Increased Adoption
By providing an easy-to-use and secure payment system, Facebook’s biometric settlement system helps to increase adoption of biometric payments and encourages more people to use the system.
8. Increased Privacy
Facebook’s biometric settlement system helps to protect user’s privacy, as biometric data is not shared with anyone else and is stored securely.
9. Reduced Risk of Fraud
Facebook’s biometric settlement system helps to reduce the risk of fraud, as it requires users to authenticate their identity before making a payment.
10. Increased Competition
Facebook’s biometric settlement system help to increase competition in the payment industry as it provides users with a secure and convenient way to make payments. This encourages more companies to offer biometric payment options and encourages users to switch to biometric payment systems.
How to Find Out If You’re Part of The $650 Million Illinois Facebook Settlement
Over 1.4 million Facebook users in Illinois will receive checks as part of a $650 million Class Action Lawsuit settlement. Class Members allege that the social media giant violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act by collecting and storing biometric data, such as physical characteristics, without obtaining users’ consent. This was done through facial recognition technology that Facebook commonly uses for “Tag Suggestions” notifications.
Checks worth $397 have been mailed out since May 9, according to the settlement administrator, and payments are being processed electronically. Illinois Facebook users are eligible for a payout if they meet specific criteria, including being Illinois residents for at least 183 days and having Facebook create and store a face template after June 7, 2011. The deadline for filing a claim form was November 23, 2020.
If you are unsure whether you filed a claim or believe you are eligible for a payout, contact the Settlement Administrator, Edelson PC, Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP, or Labaton Sucharow LLP, who were appointed as lawyers in the case. Final checks are expected to be $397, with a minimum payout of $345 per Class Member.
The settlement is one of the largest for a privacy violation, highlighting the importance of transparency in data collection practices and the need for stronger privacy laws and regulations to protect individuals’ rights in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial that users remain vigilant in protecting their personal data and ensuring that their privacy rights are respected.
