Illinois Instagram Users Get $32 Payouts In Landmark $68 Million BIPA Settlement

In a landmark $68 million settlement, Illinois Instagram users are receiving payouts averaging $32 per person, following a class-action lawsuit alleging violations of the state's Biometric Privacy Act by Meta, the owner of Instagram.

Saihaj Kaur Madan

Updated on: 8 June 2024 3:39 am

Instagram Illinois Settlement Photo: Pexels

Instagram users who were part of a $68 million class-action settlement in Illinois have begun receiving their payouts, as reported by users who received their settlement checks or automatic payments on Friday. Many recipients noted receiving approximately $32 for their claims.

According to a dedicated website for the settlement claims, payments were issued on Friday based on the payment method selected during the claim filing process, which could be electronic payment or check. Recipients who opted for a check payment should anticipate additional time for delivery. The payout date in the Illinois Instagram settlement is July 7. Those who do not receive their checks by this date can request a "reissue" through the provided channel.

"If your electronic payment fails, the funds will be sent back to us, and your payment will be reissued as a mailed check and sent to the address we have on file," as stated on the settlement website.

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The settlement stemmed from a lawsuit filed in DuPage County, alleging that Instagram owner Meta violated Illinois' Biometric Privacy Act, which prohibits companies from collecting and storing biometric information that can be used to identify individuals.

This lawsuit mirrors recent class-action settlements in Illinois with Google, Snapchat, and Facebook, where hundreds of social media users in Illinois also received payouts.