In 2024, Snapchat agreed to a $45 million class-action lawsuit settlement. This means the company will pay people who used the app and may have had their privacy violated. If you are a Snapchat user, you might be eligible to claim part of the settlement. This guide will help you understand if you qualify, how to submit a claim, and what the settlement is all about.
What Is the Snapchat Class Action Settlement?
The $45 million settlement was the result of a lawsuit that claimed Snapchat violated users’ privacy rights. The lawsuit argued that Snapchat’s app collected biometric data, such as face scans, without users’ permission. Biometric data refers to things like fingerprints, face scans, or other features unique to a person. Companies are required by law to get permission before collecting this information, and Snapchat was accused of not following this rule.
Who Is Eligible to Claim?
If you used Snapchat in Illinois between November 17, 2015, and now, you might be eligible to claim part of the settlement. The lawsuit is specific to Illinois because the state has strict laws about biometric data. Even if you don’t live in Illinois anymore, but used Snapchat there during the given time, you may still qualify.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| What is the $45M lawsuit about? | The lawsuit claims Snapchat violated privacy laws by collecting biometric data, such as facial recognition, without users’ consent. The settlement amount is $45M. |
| Eligibility for the payout | Snapchat users who lived in Illinois during the period when the privacy violations occurred, typically between 2015 and 2024. |
| How to confirm eligibility | You need to verify if you lived in Illinois during the specified time frame and used Snapchat. Documentation of Snapchat use may be required for verification. |
| Payout amount | The payout amount for each person depends on the number of claimants. It is expected that eligible users could receive a few hundred dollars. |
| Deadline to file a claim | The deadline for filing a claim will be announced soon. Make sure to file your claim before the deadline to ensure eligibility for the payout. |
| How to file a claim | Claims can be filed online or by mail through the official settlement website. You will need to provide basic information and proof of Snapchat use in Illinois. |
| When will payments be distributed? | Payments will be distributed after the claims deadline and final court approval. This process may take several months, so payouts may not be immediate. |
| Impact on Snapchat use | Filing a claim does not affect your ability to use Snapchat. The lawsuit addresses past privacy violations, and Snapchat has since updated its policies. |
| Where to find more information | Visit the official settlement website or check with legal news outlets for further information on how to file and track the settlement progress. |
How to Submit a Claim
To claim part of the settlement, you need to submit a claim form. This form will ask for basic details like your name, address, and when you used Snapchat in Illinois. You can fill out the form online or send it by mail. Make sure to provide accurate information and submit the claim before the deadline. If the court approves your claim, you will receive a payment as part of the settlement.
What Happens After Submitting a Claim?
After you submit your claim, the court will review it to ensure you qualify. If everything is correct and you are eligible, you will receive a part of the $45 million. The amount each person gets depends on how many people file claims. The more people who claim, the smaller each payment will be.
FAQs
What is the Snapchat $45M lawsuit about?
The $45 million settlement is related to allegations that Snapchat violated user privacy by improperly collecting biometric data, such as facial recognition, without proper consent. The lawsuit claims that Snapchat failed to comply with privacy laws, particularly in Illinois under the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).
Who is eligible for the Snapchat settlement payout?
If you are a Snapchat user and lived in Illinois during the time Snapchat was alleged to have violated biometric privacy laws, you may be eligible. The specific time frame for eligibility may depend on the details of the lawsuit, typically between 2015 and 2024.
How do I know if I can claim a share of the settlement?
You will need to confirm your eligibility by checking if you lived in Illinois during the relevant period and used Snapchat during that time. Additionally, you must provide proof or documentation related to your Snapchat use and the time frame involved.
How much money can I receive from the settlement?
The exact payout will depend on the number of claimants who file for a share of the $45 million settlement. The final amount for each individual could vary but is expected to be several hundred dollars.
When is the deadline to file a claim for the settlement?
The claim deadline will be announced as part of the settlement agreement. You must file your claim before the deadline to be eligible for a payout. Be sure to follow updates from the settlement administrator or legal websites.
This Snapchat settlement is an important case about protecting personal data. If you lived in Illinois and used Snapchat during the qualifying period, you might be eligible to receive a payment. Be sure to check your eligibility and submit your claim before the deadline.
Remember, this settlement is specific to Illinois because of its strict laws on biometric data. If you qualify, don’t miss the chance to claim your share of the $45 million.