"Biometric Data and Liability: A Legal Tightrope as Illinois Weighs Responsibility for Data Misuse"

CHICAGO — The question of accountability regarding the misuse of biometric data, such as facial features and fingerprints, is increasingly pressing as technology advances. Illinois has been at the forefront of this debate, with its stringent regulations on biometric data outlined in the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), put into effect in 2008. In a notable case that underscored the potency of these regulations, Facebook faced a class-action lawsuit over allegations that its “Tag Suggestions” feature improperly utilized facial recognition technology without users’ consent. The case concluded in February 2021 with a $650 million settlement, … Read more