Thomson Reuters, a Canadian media and technology conglomerate, recently reached a $27.5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit that alleged the company used its AI program, Clear, to collect personal information from people without their consent and then sold this information to various entities. The lawsuit specifically pertains to California residents, and eligible claimants have until Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, to opt in to receive a payout estimated to be between $19 and $48. The deadline was initially set for Dec. 6, but was later extended.
The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) published survey results in a 2023 consumer trust report that found significant concerns among respondents globally about the impact of AI technology on their privacy. Around 57% of consumers surveyed by IAPP stated that AI poses a significant threat to their privacy. Additionally, a 2023 study from KPMG and the University of Queensland revealed that 53% of respondents believed AI will make it harder for people to keep their personal information private. This highlights the growing apprehension around AI technology and its implications for privacy.
The Thomson Reuters class-action settlement originated from a lawsuit filed in 2020 by California-based activist Cat Brooks and journalist Rasheed Shabazz. The lawsuit accused Thomson Reuters of using Clear to harvest a vast amount of photos, identifying information, and personal data of American consumers, including Californians, without their consent. The collected information was then allegedly sold to corporations, law enforcement, and government agencies, leading to the legal action against the company.
Individuals who were adult residents of California from Dec. 3, 2016, to Oct. 31, 2024, are eligible to participate in the Thomson Reuters settlement. To opt into the settlement, claimants can fill out an online form provided for this purpose. The payout per claimant is expected to range between $19 and $48, providing eligible individuals with a financial remedy for the unauthorized collection and sale of their personal information by Thomson Reuters through its AI program, Clear.
With the deadline to opt in for the Thomson Reuters class-action settlement approaching, eligible claimants are urged to take action before Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. This opportunity presents affected individuals in California with a chance to receive compensation for the alleged privacy violations committed by Thomson Reuters. In the midst of growing concerns over the privacy implications of AI technology, this settlement serves as a notable development aimed at addressing the unauthorized collection and dissemination of personal data without consent.
