Illinois Biometric Privacy Act Attorneys
Helping Clients Protect Their Biometric Data
Biometric data is growing in popularity. Many companies are using biometric information to unlock phones, computers, and even office doors. However, this type of data can also be used to identify individuals, so it is important to understand your rights under Illinois law.
At Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC, we have helped numerous clients protect their biometric information. We can do the same for you.
Schedule a free initial consultation with our Illinois biometric privacy attorneys by contacting us online or calling (312) 626-3585.
What Is Biometric Data?
Biometric data is used to identify individuals based on specific physical or behavioral characteristics. These characteristics can include fingerprints, voiceprints, retina scans, hand geometry, and even signatures.
Biometric information is usually unique to an individual and can be used to identify a person with a high degree of accuracy positively. However, it is also extremely sensitive, so it is important to understand your rights under the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA).
The Illinois Biometric Privacy Act
The BIPA was passed in 2008. It is a law that protects individuals from having their biometric information collected, stored, and shared without their consent. The law applies to both private and public entities.
Private entities must comply with BIPA if they:
- Are engaged in commercial activity
- Have offices within Illinois
- Have employees working in Illinois
- Handle, process, or store biometric information
Public entities must comply if they:
- Are a state agency
- Are a political subdivision of the state
- Handle, process, or store biometric information
A biometric database is also considered a public record under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. This means that you have a right to access any biometric data that is collected and stored.
How BIPA Protects You
The BIPA provides several ways for individuals to protect their biometric information. The law prohibits private entities from selling, leasing, trading, or otherwise profiting from an individual's biometric information.
Individuals can also sue to stop companies from using their biometric information without their consent, as well as recover damages for any harm caused by a company's failure to comply with BIPA.
In addition, BIPA protects individuals from having their biometric information used in ways they would not reasonably expect. For example, an individual would not reasonably expect their employer to use their fingerprints to unlock their computer or to scan their hand to check out library books.
How Our Illinois Biometric Privacy Lawyers Can Help
Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC can help you protect your biometric information under the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act. We can also help you pursue damages if your biometric information was used without your consent.
Many companies are using biometric information to improve their services. However, it is important to know your rights under the law so that you can protect your sensitive information.
To learn more about your rights under the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act, contact our Illinois biometric privacy attorneys today.