Apple Faces $32.5 Billion Illinois Biometric Privacy Class Action Over Photos Face Recognition
Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Aug 3
Apple Faces $32.5 Billion Illinois Biometric Privacy Class Action Over Photos Face Recognition
3 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · Aug 3
Summary
A judge allowed a class action against Apple to proceed in Illinois, exposing the company to as much as $32.5 billion over the Photos app’s “People” face-recognition feature.
Roughly 6.5 million people could be covered across three certified classes tied to on-device photo grouping, iCloud-linked tagging, and newer iCloud faceprint processing.
The suit, first filed in 2020, alleges Apple violated Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act by collecting biometric data without the notice and consent the law requires.
Apple failed to win dismissal and was denied an immediate appeal of the June class-certification order, sending the case back to district court for further proceedings.
BIPA has already produced major tech settlements, including Meta’s $650 million Facebook deal and a separate $68.5 million Instagram agreement, underscoring the law’s financial risk.