Snap Inc., the parent company of the popular social media platform Snapchat is set to pay a substantial $35 million to Illinois residents following a legal dispute. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the settlement, including details about the lawsuit, eligibility criteria, and what you can expect if you are impacted.
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Background of the Snapchat Lawsuit
Snapchat, widely recognized for its photo-sharing capabilities and innovative filters, has recently faced significant legal challenges. The core issue revolves around allegations that the company violated Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). This law is one of the strictest in the U.S. concerning the collection and handling of biometric data.
According to the lawsuit, Snapchat’s use of filters and lenses—which alter users’ facial features—constituted unauthorized collection and storage of biometric data. This practice reportedly occurred without obtaining explicit consent from users, leading to accusations of legal violations.
What Is The Snapchat Lawsuit About?
The legal action against Snapchat claims that the company collected and stored biometric data through its various lenses and filters. This action is said to infringe upon the Biometric Information Privacy Act, which mandates informed consent for collecting such sensitive data. The lawsuit affects users who utilized Snapchat filters from November 17, 2015, up to the present.
Despite Snapchat’s denial of wrongdoing, asserting they did not collect identifiable biometric data, the company has opted to settle the dispute. The settlement aims to resolve claims from approximately 3.8 million affected residents.
Snapchat Class Action Settlement Eligibility
To qualify for a portion of the $35 million settlement, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a resident of Illinois.
- Usage: Must have used Snapchat between November 17, 2015, and the present.
- Filters and Lenses: Must have used Snapchat filters and lenses during this period.
- Security Breach: Must have experienced issues related to biometric data storage.
Eligible users who filed claims by November 5, 2022, will be considered for the payout.
Expected Settlement Amount
The $35 million settlement will be distributed among approximately 3.8 million affected users. Individual payouts are estimated to range between $58 and $117, depending on the final calculations and the number of valid claims received.
Settlement Date and Process
As of now, the exact date for the settlement payment has not been announced. The final hearing for the settlement is scheduled for November 17, 2024. Claimants will receive their payments after all legal expenses and administrative costs are deducted.
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The Snapchat class action settlement underscores the importance of compliance with privacy laws and regulations. If you believe you are eligible for compensation under this settlement, it is crucial to ensure all claims are submitted accurately and within the specified timeframe.