Facebook Was Sued Collectively Because of Biometric Data Collection, Which Could Cost Billions

This article examines Facebook Was Sued Collectively Because of Biometric Data Collection, Which Could Cost. It presents the main facts, practical implications, and key points in a clearer, easier-to-follow format.

Understanding Facebook Was Sued Collectively Because of Biometric Data Collection

In June 2011, Facebook introduced a feature that allows users to automatically tag people in their photos in several countries (including the US). To ensure face recognition technology will work, Facebook will have to collect users' biometric data causing privacy concerns.

The accusation of Facebook's facial recognition feature violated Illinois' Biometric Information Security Act (BIPA) (prohibiting the use and collection of biometric information such as fingerprints and faces without permission) appeared since 2015.

Currently, only three Illinois residents (USA) sue Facebook, regarding face recognition. They demand Facebook to pay up to $5,000 in damages for each time their photos are illegally used. If it loses, Facebook will have to pay billions of dollars.

The lawsuit was transferred to San Francisco, where judge James Donato brought the case into a class action. This means that there will likely be millions more Americans joining this class action.

After the incident on Facebook representative stated that the lawsuit is not valid and will try to "whitewash". According to Facebook, users always have the option to remove this feature.

• Facebook Messenger has a problem, many Vietnamese users cannot send photos.
• Facebook provides a warning and allows users to edit application access to protect information.
• The way Facebook collects user information even without an account.
• Facebook awards 1 billion VND for those who find new data holes.