Google to Pay $8.75M in Illinois Chromebook Privacy Case- Google has agreed to a settlement worth $8.75 million following a lawsuit that accused the company of violating student privacy in Illinois schools. The case focused on how Google allegedly collected and stored biometric data through its educational platforms without consent.
The lawsuit highlighted concerns about how technology used in classrooms can sometimes cross legal boundaries, especially when it comes to sensitive information like facial recognition and voice data. This case shows the growing tension between innovation in digital learning tools and the privacy rights of children and families.
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Google to Pay $8.75M in Illinois Chromebook Privacy Case Highlights
| Settlement Amount | $8.75 million |
| Law Involved | Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) |
| Allegation | Google was accused of gathering biometric details without proper permission |
| Time Frame | March 26, 2015 – May 15, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Students enrolled in Illinois schools using Google Workspace for Education |
| Claim Deadline | October 16, 2025 |
| Opt-Out/Objection Deadline | September 1, 2025 |
Case History and Legal Background
The lawsuit, known as H.K. et al. v. Google LLC, was filed under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). This state law requires companies to inform individuals before collecting biometric data such as fingerprints, facial scans, or voice models. It also requires written consent.
According to the plaintiffs, Google failed to meet these requirements while providing Chromebooks and Google Workspace for Education tools in Illinois schools. The services included features like Voice Match and Face Match, which may have created and stored unique biometric identifiers for students.
Google denied any wrongdoing but chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation. The company stated that the data was never used for advertising or commercial gain and was intended only to improve product performance.
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Who Qualifies for Compensation
To be eligible for a payment from the settlement, claimants must meet specific conditions:
- The student must have been enrolled in an Illinois school.
- The school provided access to Google Workspace for Education (formerly G Suite for Education).
- The tools were used between March 26, 2015, and May 15, 2025.
- A voice or face model was created through the account, or features like Voice Match/Face Match were active.
Both adults and children qualify. In cases involving minors, parents or legal guardians must file claims on their behalf, and any payment must be used strictly for the child’s benefit.
Expected Payouts for Eligible Claimants
The total settlement pool is $8.75 million, but the actual payout per person depends on the number of claims submitted and legal fees deducted from the fund.
Current estimates suggest that each eligible claimant may receive between $30 and $100. This amount could shift depending on how many families file before the deadline.
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Key Deadlines for the Settlement
Several important dates apply:
- September 1, 2025: Deadline to opt out of the settlement or file an objection.
- October 14, 2025: Final court hearing to decide if the settlement should be approved.
- October 16, 2025: Last day to submit a claim for compensation.
Failure to act before these deadlines means losing the chance to receive payment.
Steps for Submitting a Claim
Eligible families can file claims in two ways:
- Online Submission – Complete the form on the official settlement website.
- Mail Submission – Print and mail the claim form along with required documents.
Claimants may need to provide proof, such as a student ID, report card, or government-issued identification.
Payment options include:
- Direct deposit
- Zelle
- Venmo
- PayPal
- Prepaid Mastercard
- Paper check
Families are advised to keep records handy in case additional verification is requested.
Significance of the Settlement
This case underscores the importance of student data privacy in the digital era. Schools nationwide increasingly rely on technology for teaching, testing, and communication. However, this reliance comes with risks when companies handle sensitive information without proper safeguards.
The Illinois BIPA law is one of the strongest in the United States when it comes to biometric protections, and this case demonstrates how it can be used to hold large corporations accountable. It may also encourage other states to strengthen their privacy laws.
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Impact on the Future of Educational Technology
The settlement raises broader questions about the role of big tech companies in education:
- Privacy vs. Convenience: While digital tools make learning easier, they can also expose children to risks when privacy protections are ignored.
- Parental Oversight: The case highlights the need for parents to stay informed about what data schools and tech companies collect.
- Future Legal Action: Other states may see similar lawsuits if companies fail to comply with biometric privacy rules.
This case shows Google and other tech companies that digital learning platforms need to combine innovation with strong respect for privacy rules.
FAQs About Google to Pay $8.75M in Illinois Chromebook Privacy Case
It involves claims that Google collected student biometric data through school Chromebooks without proper consent.
Between $30 and $100 per eligible claimant, depending on the number of claims filed.
Students who used Google Workspace for Education in Illinois between March 2015 and May 2025, with parents or guardians filing for minors.
The final date to send in claims is October 16, 2025.
The lawsuit was filed under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).
The Google to Pay $8.75 million settlement over Chromebook-related privacy violations in Illinois schools is a milestone in student data protection. While the payout per claimant may be small, the case sets an important precedent by enforcing privacy rights under BIPA.
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For families, this is a reminder to stay alert about how children’s data is used. For tech companies, it is a warning that compliance with privacy laws is not optional—it is essential.