Filed Your Claim? Illinois’ Google Lawsuit Deadline Is Very Close

Hey, in case you hadn't heard, there's $100 million in settlement money for Illinois residents (paid by Google) that's just waiting to be claimed--but you have to file a claim to be eligible.

If you haven't already done so, I would urge you to act quickly because the deadline to file your claim is September 24th (tomorrow as I write this).

There Have Been A Bunch Of Lawsuits And Settlements Over A Law In Illinois That Various Big Tech Companies Saw Fit To Ignore, And Google Is Just The Latest To Pay Out

This class-action lawsuit and the others all have their root in the violation of Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act, or BIPA. BIPA makes it illegal for private sector companies and institutions to collect biometric data from unsuspecting citizens in the state of Illinois or even online, no matter where the business is based. The captured data cannot be sold, transferred or traded.

So far this year, we've seen lawsuits and then settlements for BIPA violations against companies like Facebook (a million Illinoisans who joined the claim received about $400 each), TikTok (a $92 million settlement has yet to paid out), and Snapchat (a $35 million settlement is still awaiting a final hearing).

Microsoft and Amazon have also been accused of BIPA violations.

Let's Get To The Info You Need To Make Your Google Claim Before It's Too Late

First off, you'll need to determine whether or not you're eligible to make a claim. If you were an Illinois resident between May 1st, 2015 and April 25th, 2022, and you appeared in a photograph on Google Photos, you're good to go.

It's not really clear how much money you'll get (assuming you're eligible and get your claim filed in time), but lawyers involved with the case estimate it'll probably be between $200 and $400 per claimant. If final approval is granted and any potential appeals are worked out, you could be holding your money within about 90 days.

Click here to be taken to googlebipasettlement.com, where you'll get more information and will be able to submit a claim.