If you or your child used Google Workspace for Education tools in an Illinois school, you may be eligible for a payment from a recent class action settlement. This legal agreement addresses concerns regarding the collection of biometric data through educational software and hardware. Understanding your rights and the steps required to file a claim is essential for receiving your portion of the settlement fund.
What is the Google Education BIPA Settlement?
The Google Education BIPA settlement is the result of a class action lawsuit filed in Illinois. The lawsuit alleged that Google violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by collecting and storing biometric identifiers—specifically face templates—from students using Google Workspace for Education without providing the necessary disclosures or obtaining written consent. This software suite includes popular tools like Google Classroom, Docs, and Sheets, often accessed through school-issued Chromebooks.
BIPA is a strict privacy law in Illinois that requires companies to follow specific protocols before collecting biometric data. This includes fingerprints, voiceprints, and scans of hand or face geometry. While Google denied any wrongdoing and maintains that it complied with the law, the company agreed to a $6.75 million settlement to resolve the litigation and avoid the costs of a prolonged trial.
Who is Eligible for a Payment?
Eligibility for this settlement is specifically limited to individuals who meet certain geographic and chronological criteria. To be considered a member of the settlement class, you must have used Google Workspace for Education tools (formerly known as G Suite for Education) while attending a K-12 school in the state of Illinois. The timeframe for eligibility generally covers usage between July 1, 2015, and the date the court granted preliminary approval of the settlement.
If you were a student during this period and used these tools, or if you are the parent or legal guardian of a student who did, you may qualify. Because the settlement involves minors, parents are typically responsible for filing claims on behalf of their children. It is important to verify the specific dates of enrollment and tool usage to ensure you fall within the designated class period.
Specific Tools Involved
- Google Classroom
- Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides)
- Google Photos (if used through an education account)
- Google Forms
- Gmail for Education
How to File Your Claim Form
Filing a claim is a straightforward process, but it must be completed accurately and before the established deadline. Most eligible individuals receive a notice via email or traditional mail containing a unique Notice ID and Confirmation Code. These codes simplify the filing process by pre-validating your eligibility in the settlement database.
If you received a notice, you should visit the official settlement administrator’s website. Look for the ‘Submit Claim’ section and enter your unique codes. You will then be asked to provide your current contact information and select a preferred payment method, such as a physical check or an electronic payment (like PayPal or Venmo). Once submitted, you should receive a confirmation number for your records.
What if You Did Not Receive a Notice?
If you believe you are eligible but did not receive a notice with a code, you can still file a claim. The settlement website typically offers a ‘Class Member’ claim form for those who did not receive a direct notification. You will likely need to provide documentation or affirmations regarding your attendance at an Illinois school and your use of Google Workspace for Education during the relevant period. Providing as much detail as possible will help the administrator verify your claim.
Understanding Your Legal Rights and Options
When a class action settlement is reached, class members generally have three main options. It is important to choose the one that best fits your situation before the court-ordered deadlines pass.
1. Submit a Claim
This is the only way to receive a cash payment from the settlement. By submitting a claim, you agree to the terms of the settlement and give up your right to sue Google individually for the specific legal claims addressed in this lawsuit.
2. Exclude Yourself (Opt-Out)
If you wish to retain your right to sue Google separately regarding these biometric privacy issues, you must formally exclude yourself from the settlement. This is often called ‘opting out.’ If you choose this option, you will not receive any money from this settlement, but you maintain your legal standing for future individual litigation.
3. Object to the Settlement
If you remain in the settlement class but disagree with its terms—such as the amount of the settlement or the attorney fees—you can file a formal objection with the court. You can explain why you believe the settlement is unfair. However, even if you object, you must still file a claim if you want to receive a payment in the event the court approves the settlement anyway.
How Much Will the Payment Be?
The individual payment amount for each class member depends on several factors. The total settlement fund is $6.75 million, but a portion of this will be used to pay for administrative costs, legal fees, and incentive awards for the original plaintiffs who filed the suit. The remaining amount, known as the ‘Net Settlement Fund,’ will be divided equally among all class members who submit a valid claim.
Because the final amount depends on the total number of people who file claims, it is difficult to predict the exact payout. In similar BIPA settlements, payments have ranged from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. The more people who claim, the smaller the individual share becomes. Once the court grants final approval and all claims are processed, the administrator will begin the distribution process.
Important Deadlines to Remember
To ensure you do not miss out on your payment, keep a close watch on the following key dates. These dates are strictly enforced by the court and the settlement administrator.
- Claim Submission Deadline: This is the final date by which your claim form must be submitted online or postmarked.
- Exclusion Deadline: The last day to opt-out if you want to preserve your right to sue individually.
- Objection Deadline: The final date to submit a written objection to the court.
- Final Approval Hearing: The date the judge will decide whether to officially approve the settlement and authorize payments.
You can find these specific dates on the official settlement website or in the notice you received. It is a good idea to mark these on your calendar as soon as possible.
The Final Approval Process and Timeline
After the claim deadline passes, the court holds a Final Approval Hearing. During this session, the judge reviews the settlement to ensure it is fair, reasonable, and adequate for the class members. The judge will also consider any objections that were filed. If the judge approves the settlement, there may still be a period for appeals, which can delay the distribution of funds.
Once all legal hurdles are cleared, the settlement administrator will verify the submitted claims against the class records. This process can take several months. After verification is complete, the payments are issued via the method you selected during the claim process. Patience is required, as the timeline from filing a claim to receiving a check can often take six months to a year.
Conclusion
The Google Education BIPA settlement provides a path for Illinois students and parents to receive compensation for privacy concerns related to biometric data. By following the steps to file a claim and staying informed about the deadlines, you can ensure your rights are protected. Remember to keep a copy of your confirmation code and check the official settlement website periodically for updates on the final approval status. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on consumer rights and navigating online privacy settlements to stay informed about your digital protections.