Illinois Schools Data Privacy Settlement- Google Agrees to Payout, Check If You’re Eligible

Google has agreed to pay \$8.75 million to settle a lawsuit claiming the company violated the privacy rights of students in Illinois schools. The case alleged that Google collected biometric data—such as voice and facial models—from students without proper consent. This data was reportedly gathered through features in Google Workspace for Education (formerly G Suite for Education), commonly used on school-issued Chromebooks.

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 give notice and obtain written consent before collecting biometric information. Plaintiffs claimed Google failed to follow these legal requirements when it allegedly created and stored biometric identifiers of students.

How Google Tools Collected Data

Illinois schools widely distributed free access to Google services such as Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Meet. While these tools played a crucial role during remote learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they also included features like Voice Match and Face Match. These functions could create and store unique biometric models, raising concerns about student privacy.

Under Illinois law, collecting this kind of data without explicit notice or parental consent is a violation. The lawsuit alleged that neither students nor their parents were properly informed before Google collected such information.

Google’s Response to the Lawsuit

While Google denied any wrongdoing, the company chose to settle the case to avoid a lengthy trial. Google stated that any data collected was never used for commercial gain, and was only intended to improve its services. Despite this, the settlement offers compensation to students and families who may have been affected.

Who Is Eligible for Settlement Money

To qualify for compensation from the \$8.75 million settlement fund, individuals must meet certain conditions:

• They were enrolled in an Illinois school.
• The school provided access to Google Workspace for Education or G Suite for Education.
• They used these tools between March 26, 2015, and May 15, 2025.
• Their account had Voice Match or Face Match enabled, or a biometric model was created.

Both adults and minors are eligible to claim money. However, parents or guardians must file claims on behalf of minors, and any funds received for children must be used exclusively for the child’s benefit.

How Much Money Can Claimants Expect

The total payout pool is \$8.75 million, but the final amount each claimant receives will depend on the number of valid claims filed. After deducting legal fees and court expenses, current estimates suggest each eligible person could receive between \$30 and \$100.

If fewer people file claims, payouts may be higher. Conversely, if many apply, the per-person amount could be lower.

Important Deadlines to Remember

• Claim Filing Deadline: October 16, 2025
• Opt-Out or Objection Deadline: September 1, 2025
• Final Settlement Hearing: October 14, 2025

Those who wish to exclude themselves from the settlement in order to pursue separate legal action must act before September 1. Individuals who wish to object to the terms of the settlement must also do so by this date.

How to File a Claim

Eligible individuals can file claims either online or by mail. Applicants may be asked to provide proof of Illinois school enrollment and identity, such as:

• Student ID or report card
• Government-issued identification
• School enrollment records

Approved claimants can receive payments through multiple methods, including:

• Direct deposit
• Zelle
• Venmo
• PayPal
• Prepaid Mastercard
• Paper check

The settlement administrators encourage individuals to file claims as early as possible and to retain documentation in case additional verification is required.

Broader Implications of the Case

This settlement highlights the growing scrutiny over student data privacy in the digital age. As schools increasingly rely on technology for education, concerns about how companies handle sensitive data are likely to intensify. The case also reinforces the power of state-level privacy laws like Illinois’ BIPA, which has been used to hold corporations accountable in multiple high-profile cases.

FAQs

Q1. Why did Google agree to pay the settlement?
Google denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid a lengthy court battle. The company stated that collected data was not used for commercial purposes.

Q2. Who can receive money from the settlement?
Any Illinois student (or former student) who used Google Workspace for Education between March 26, 2015, and May 15, 2025, and whose account had Voice Match or Face Match enabled, may qualify. Parents or guardians must file on behalf of minors.

Q3. How much money will I get?
The expected payout is between \$30 and \$100 per eligible person, depending on the number of valid claims filed.

Q4. What is the deadline to file a claim?
You must submit your claim by October 16, 2025. The opt-out and objection deadline is September 1, 2025.

Q5. How do I file a claim?
You can file online or by mail, and may need to provide proof of Illinois school enrollment and identification. Payments will be made through methods such as PayPal, Venmo, direct deposit, or paper check.