$75 Million Settlement: BNSF Railway Resolves Illinois Biometric Privacy Lawsuit

BNSF Railway settled a $75 million lawsuit alleging unauthorized fingerprint collection from truckers in Illinois.

Eligibility and Compensation Details for Truckers in BNSF Biometric Privacy Lawsuit

BNSF Railway Co. has agreed to a $75 million settlement following accusations of violating Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act. The lawsuit alleged the company collected truckers fingerprints without proper consent at its Illinois facilities. Despite the settlement BNSF denies any wrongdoing.

Truckers who had their fingerprints registered using BNSF’s Auto-Gate System in Illinois between April 4, 2014, and March 5, 2024 may be eligible for compensation up to $1,000 each. The court approved the settlement as fair on June 17. Eligible class members must update their contact details with the settlement administrator by July 15 to receive payment, according to the report of The US Sun.

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(photo: Digital Watch Observatory)

Payment Process and Compliance Requirements in BNSF Biometric Privacy Settlement

Checks will be mailed about 60 days after the final approval hearing, and recipients have 120 days to cash them. To receive payment individuals must ensure their information is current on the settlement website and provide necessary tax details. This settlement highlights the importance of biometric privacy laws and the resolution of disputes through collective legal actions.

Overall, this settlement shows how companies can address legal claims collectively while denying wrongdoing, aiming to resolve disputes efficiently and avoid further litigation costs. It also emphasizes the significance of regulations concerning biometric data privacy and the implications for corporate compliance.

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