WHEATON, Ill. — If you're an Illinois resident and have used Snapchat filters and lenses within the last few years, you could qualify for a class-action privacy lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that Snap, Inc. violated Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act by collecting and storing biometric data from users through the social media app's filters and lenses.
Biometrics, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, are unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints and retina scans, that can be used for automated recognition.
The settlement, if approved, would divide $35 million among class members, class representatives, administrative expenses, lawyer fees and taxes.
Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC will represent Illinois residents in the lawsuit. However, claimants will not be charged for representation. Fees would be deducted from the final settlement.
In order to be included in the settlement, you must submit a completed claim form no later than Nov. 5 online or via mail to the following address: Snapchat Privacy Settlement, c/o Administrator, 1650 Arch St., Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Mailed claims must be postmarked by that date.
A final approval hearing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Nov. 17 at the 18th Judicial Circuit Court in Wheaton, Illinois.
For more information on the class-action settlement, you can visit snapillinoispibasettlement.com.
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