Summary
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Verizon Wireless alleging that the company violates the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act by collecting customer voiceprints without obtaining the required informed consent. Plaintiffs Parker and Doyle assert that Verizon’s Voice ID technology collects biometric identifiers without proper disclosures and consent, thus breaching statutory protections for sensitive personal data.
A class action lawsuit has been initiated against Verizon Wireless in Illinois, filed by plaintiffs Thelton George Parker Jr. and Steven Doyle. The lawsuit alleges that Verizon’s Voice ID technology unlawfully collects and utilizes customer voiceprints without securing the necessary informed consent as dictated by the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA).\n\nVoiceprints, defined in the complaint as unique patterns of vocal characteristics used for individual identification, are categorized as biometric identifiers under BIPA. This law safeguards biometric data, which cannot be altered if compromised, distinguishing it from traditional identifiers like Social Security numbers. Under BIPA, companies must inform customers about the nature of data collection, its specific purposes, and the duration of storage, as well as obtain explicit written consent before any biometric data is captured or utilized.\n\nHowever, the plaintiffs claim that Verizon did not comply with these stipulations, as users were not adequately informed about the collection, the intended use, or how long their voiceprints would be retained. Furthermore, they assert that no prior written consent was obtained from consumers, thereby breaching Illinois law. This lawsuit adds to Verizon’s legal troubles, as it also faces a separate class action regarding website accessibility for visually impaired individuals. The case is titled Thelton George Parker Jr., et al. v. Verizon Communications Inc., et al., filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division.
The Illinois Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA) creates stringent requirements for the collection and storage of biometric information. Biometric identifiers, such as voiceprints—which are distinctive voice characteristics—are protected under this legislation due to the irreversible risk posed when this data is compromised. BIPA mandates that companies inform individuals about what data will be collected, how it will be utilized, and how long it will remain in storage. Moreover, it requires obtaining explicit written consent before any collection occurs. Verizon’s Voice ID service reportedly violates these requirements, prompting the class action lawsuit to address potential negligence in customer data protection and informed consent practices.
The lawsuit against Verizon emphasizes the critical necessity for companies to adhere to biometric data protection laws. By failing to secure informed consent and adequately inform users about the collection and usage of voiceprints, Verizon allegedly violated the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act. This lawsuit raises broader implications for consumer privacy rights in the rapidly evolving field of biometric technology.
Original Source: topclassactions.com
