Facebook has been storing millions of biometric identifiers (defined by statute as “a retina or iris scan, fingerprint, voiceprint, or record of hand or face geometry”) contained in photos and videos uploaded by friends and family who used the social media app..
In May 2022, the settlement fund distributed nearly $550 million — the total after legal expenses — to 1.38 million Illinois Facebook users who filed valid claims.
The $397 payments were made by check and electronic transfer.Oct 20, 2023.
Biometric login provides a convenient method for authorizing access to private content within your app.
Instead of having to remember an account username and password every time they open your app, users can just use their biometric credentials to confirm their presence and authorize access to the private content..
For a quick biometrics definition: Biometrics are biological measurements — or physical characteristics — that can be used to identify individuals.
For example, fingerprint mapping, facial recognition, and retina scans are all forms of biometric technology, but these are just the most recognized options..
Biometric login provides a convenient method for authorizing access to private content within your app.
Instead of having to remember an account username and password every time they open your app, users can just use their biometric credentials to confirm their presence and authorize access to the private content..
The use of biometrics as a tool for identification and security purposes began in the late 19th century with the work of Alphonse Bertillon..
Class members could rely on common proof to show that they were harmed by Facebook's collection of their biometric information because pleading of some additional "actual injury" other than violation of the statute was unnecessary.
Facebook, Inc. has settled a class action that claimed Facebook collected and stored the biometric data of Facebook users in Illinois without the proper notice and consent in violation of Illinois law as part of its “Tag Suggestions” feature and other features involving facial recognition technology.
Facebook denies it violated any law.
Among other requirements, BIPA mandates that companies collecting biometric information obtain the consent of those individuals whose information is collected.
Several states have similar privacy laws that set legal requirements for the collection and use of biometric data.
The deadline to file a claim form was November 23, 2020.
This website has been established to provide general information related to the proposed settlement of the case referred to as Facebook Biometric Information Privacy Litigation.
