Why Big Tech Keeps Copping It Over Biometric Data
From Silicon Valley to Courtroom Valley
I keep writing about serious privacy issues lately. Every single day I hear about an incident which raises my blood pressure and heart rate.
If you thought Google, GM, and Apple were done facing the music over how they handle our data, think again, mate. Illinois — yep, that quiet Midwestern U.S. state — has become the unexpected heavyweight champion of biometric privacy. And it’s throwing legal punches that are leaving tech giants reeling.
This week, I spotted yet another round of lawsuits under the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). That’s the same law that cost Facebook a whopping $650 million not too long ago.
BIPA stands for Biometric Information Privacy Act.
Big Tech’s Biometric Blunders: Biometric Lawsuits Are Booming
Now it’s Google’s turn — again. And TikTok, too. Apparently, these companies still haven’t learned how to ask for permission before scanning your face or fingerprints.
What’s the drama?
Well, under BIPA, if a company collects your biometric data — think facial recognition, iris scans, voiceprints — without clearly telling you what they’re up to, they can get sued for every single violation.
And not just once per person, but once per scan.
Imagine a company scanning your face 10 times a day without consent. That’s 10 violations. Multiply that by millions of users, and you get a class action that could make shareholders sweat bullets.
But hang on — here’s the kicker.
Lawmakers in Illinois just tweaked the rules, capping damages to one violation per person. So now, instead of sky-high settlements, we might start seeing a few more reasonable figures. It still stings, though—Google recently coughed up $100 million over its Photos app.
Meanwhile, companies like GM and Apple are staying quiet, probably hoping their own biometric features don’t end up in the crosshairs next.
But if you’ve got a car that logs your fingerprints, or a phone that analyses your face every time you unlock it, you might want to ask: where’s that data going? And who’s giving permission?
As a former health pro who’s watched both the tech world and the health sector fumble with consent, I’ll say biometric data isn’t just another line in a privacy policy. It’s your face, your identity, your biology.
And once it’s out there, there’s no changing your ‘data password.’
I don’t know you read or heard but recently 23andme went to bankcruptcy because of DNA data which is another huge problem. Dr Mehmet Yildiz wrote a scholarly piece about. Check it out if you haven’t seen it yet.
When DNA Dreams Turn into a Data Privacy Disaster
The first personal genomics unicorn, 23andMe, which filed for bankruptcy, is now a cautionary tale and a wake-up call…medium.com
So here’s my message to Big Tech: it’s not just about innovation. It’s about informed innovation. And to the rest of us, maybe it’s time we stop trading convenience for silence.
While the tech giants and courts argue over legal technicalities, the real stakes are personal. Your face, your fingerprints, your voice.
These aren’t just data points. They’re part of your identity. And once they’re collected, stored, or shared without your permission, you lose control.
The message to the public is this:
Don’t just click “I agree.” Know what you’re handing over. Ask how your biometric data is stored, who has access, and whether it can be deleted.
We need more digital street smarts because while companies fight lawsuits, we’re the ones at risk of being scanned, tracked, or hacked.
Stay tuned. This merry-go-round’s got more spins coming.
Here are a few references you might check out to understand these growing issues:
Illinois’ biometric data privacy lawsuit merry-go-round keeps spinning
US judge approves ‘novel’ Clearview AI class action settlement
Interpretation of BIPA Amendment Splits the Courts: Implications for Businesses
Here are my previous privacy-related stories:
First Google, Then GM, Now Apple’s Siri Eavesdropping…
Crikey! Who’s Next — the Fridge or Toaster? Get Your $20 Bucks from big Apple $95M Legal Settlementmedium.com
You Thought Google Was Dodgy? Wait Till You Hear What GM’s Been Up To…
Ex-health pro’s current truth-sniffer. Still can’t believe this is real, mate. I am shocked as a GM car driver! Not…medium.com
We’re Finally Winning: Google’s $1.4 Billion Texas Settlement for Privacy Breaches
Accountability or Just the Cost of Doing Business?medium.com
Have you heard about “Enshittification,” coined by Cory Doctorow?
If not, don’t worry! My mentor Dr Mehmet Yildiz made it crystal clear for you in two scholarly yet accessible stories, juicier than my yarns. I link them here, and you will love them. mates. Let’s call out all these enshittifcated spaces:
Has Medium Been Enshittificated or Reached Stage 3 Yet?
A Comparative Reflection on Medium and Substack as Platforms Striving to Be a Better Part of the Internetmedium.com
Here’s Why Some People Say Substack Is Too Good to Be True
What Is “Enshittification” and Why Does It Matter?medium.com
Honestly, social media, including Medium, has started bothering me, and they all show the public what they want to. I wrote about the social media trap that I once fell into.
The Science Behind the Social Media Trap
How We Got Stuck and What We Can Do About It Nowmedium.com
Thank you for reading my story.
I enjoy reviewing stories, books, or training programs.
Yesterday I wrote an editorial review of a stunning book, Smart Email Marketing, which changed my digital growth skills, and I explained with reasons:
My Foreword and Editorial Review of the Smart Email Marketing Book
Email Marketing Was Rocket Science to Me Until I Read this SMART Book by my distinguished mentor, Dr Mehmet Yildiz.medium.com
Here is another book by Dr Yildiz that impacted my life:
My Five-Star Review of Train Your Brain for a Healthier and Happier Life
If There Is Only Book You Choose to Read in 2025, Try This to Improve Your Brain Function, Cognitive Performance, and…medium.com
I loved this course by Adien as it helped me become a bestseller on Substack.
I’m the First Student Completing Level 3 of From Zero to Substack Hero
I’m not a hero yet but this course helped me make all my key stats green again boosting my dopamine to work harder.medium.com
I also curate content to empower writers and inform readers. I couldn’t curate much lately but here is the latest collection to give you an idea.
Mike’s Favorite Stories on ILLUMINATION Publications — #226
As an editor and content curator, I feature engaging stories that you may enjoy as well after some quick updates of our…medium.com
For those who don’t know me yet, I am a retired health scientist and healthcare consultant in my mid-70s, and I have several grandkids who keep me going and inspire me to write on this platform. I am also the chief editor of the Health and Science publication on Medium.com. I invite you to subscribe to my publication on Substack. I offer scientific and health insights in simple terms.
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