THOUSANDS of Americans could be eligible to cash in on a $1.853 million settlement.
The settlement involving Vonachen Services aims to resolve allegations that the company collected and stored employee biometric data without following Illinois regulations.
This agreement benefits those who worked at one of Vonachen Services’ Illinois facilities and whose biometric identifiers were collected through a timekeeping system between November 1, 2014 and January 18, 2024, Superior Class Shares reports.
Vonachen Services, an Illinois-based company that provides cleaning, healthcare and logistics services, has faced accusations of violating the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act.
The employees alleged that the company collected their biometric data without obtaining proper consent or making required disclosures.
BIPA imposes strict guidelines on when and how companies can collect biometric data.
Read more about settlements
This also includes timekeeping systems such as fingerprint time clocks.
Despite not admitting any wrongdoing, Vonachen Services agreed to the $1.853 million settlement to resolve the class action.
Under the terms of the settlement, class members will receive an equal share of the net settlement proceeds.
The exact payment amount will depend on the number of students participating, but the class council estimates that each individual could receive approximately $780.
Eligible individuals include those who worked at Vonachen Services facilities in Illinois and had their biometric identifiers collected through the company’s timekeeping system within the specified time period.
No proof of purchase is required to participate in the deal.
The deadline for class members to request to opt out or object to the settlement is July 8, 2024.
However, those who do not exclude themselves will receive payment “automatically”, according to Top Class Actions.
A final settlement approval hearing is scheduled for August 22, 2024, where the court will review and determine the fairness of the settlement.
INSIDE THE BEEP
The Biometric Information Privacy Act was passed in 2008 after a unanimous vote by the Illinois legislature, according to ACLU Illinois.
This law guarantees that each person has influence over their own biometric data.
It also ensures that the same individuals prevent companies from collecting the data unless they inform the individual about the use of their biometric data or receive their written consent.
What is a class action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or “classes,” a way to come together in court.
These lawsuits are often filed by one or a few people who allege that a company or other entity has harmed a large group of people.
When a lawsuit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar claims to those who filed the lawsuit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue legal action by accepting money.
These payment agreements often include statements from the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination or false advertising are some examples of what can lead to a class action lawsuit at a company’s door.
Biometric data includes, according to the ACLU:
- Retinal or iris scans
- Fingerprints
- Voice prints
- Manual scans
- Facial geometry
- DNA
- Other exclusive biological information
BIPA establishes strict guidelines for how companies must manage Illinois residents’ biometric data, the ACLU shared.
In addition to requiring companies to obtain notice and consent, the law also prohibits the sale or any form of profit from consumers’ biometric information.
Meanwhile, millions of Americans may be in the market to get some cash from a $181 million chicken settlement.
And two ride-hailing companies will be required to offer essential benefits to drivers without significantly impacting customers.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
