Snapchat Lawsuit: Users in Illinois Could Receive Compensation for Using Snapchat Filters and Lenses

In a landmark case concerning user privacy and biometric data, a recent Snapchat lawsuit in Illinois has culminated in a $35 million settlement. Illinois residents who used Snapchat’s filters and lenses might be eligible for financial compensation. This development comes as a significant chapter in the ongoing debate over digital privacy rights.

Understanding the Snapchat Lawsuit and Biometric Privacy

The crux of the Snapchat lawsuit revolves around how the social media giant collected and utilized users’ biometric data through its popular filters and lenses. This practice was deemed a violation of Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) – one of the nation’s strictest laws in the realm of biometric data regulation. BIPA strictly controls how businesses handle biometric information like fingerprints, eye scans, and facial recognition data. The law mandates that companies must provide clear written disclosure about the purpose and duration of data storage when gathering such sensitive information.

Snapchat’s Stance and Illinois’ Rigorous Privacy Laws

Despite the settlement, Snapchat has contested any wrongdoing. Pete Boogaard, a Snapchat spokesperson, emphasized that their lenses do not engage in facial recognition nor collect biometric data that could identify individuals. Boogaard added that the data utilized by Snapchat’s lenses is stored on the user’s device and is not transmitted to Snapchat’s servers. However, to showcase their commitment to user privacy and as a precaution, Snapchat introduced an in-app consent notice for Illinois users earlier this year.

Snapchat lawsuit in Illinois: the Battle for Biometric Privacy

This Snapchat lawsuit is not an isolated event in Illinois. The state has seen similar legal battles, with major companies facing lawsuits over biometric data misuse. Recently, a judge approved a $92 million settlement in a case against TikTok for violating Illinois law. Additionally, Meta settled for $37.5 million over allegations of tracking users’ locations without consent in California.

Eligibility and Claim Submission

Illinois residents who utilized Snapchat’s filters and lenses between November 17, 2015, and the present might be entitled to a share of the settlement, which is expected to range between $58 and $117 per person. Those eligible must submit their claims by September 24th to be considered.