#United States #Chicago #Motorola Solutions #Facial Recognition #Illinois Biometric Act

Settlement Overview

On May 27, 2025, it was announced that a class action lawsuit related to facial recognition technology utilized by law enforcement agencies in Illinois has come to a proposed settlement. This lawsuit addresses allegations that Motorola Solutions, Inc. and Vigilant Solutions, LLC violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by improperly collecting and using individual biometric data without adhering to legal protocols.

Background of the Case

The lawsuit, titled Simmons v. Motorola Solutions, Inc., is currently pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County, in the Chancery Division. The defendants - Motorola Solutions and Vigilant Solutions - have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that they did not violate the law. The court has yet to determine the validity of these claims.

Who is Eligible?

If you are or were a resident of Illinois or were physically present in Illinois at any time your image was processed by the FaceSearch technology up to April 9, 2025, you might be considered a Settlement Class member. This includes individuals whose photographs were utilized or processed by law enforcement agencies through biometric identification.

Financial Compensation

Those eligible will have the opportunity to file a claim to receive cash benefits from the settlement funds. It is estimated that each qualifying individual could receive between $200 and $550. However, this amount may vary based on the total number of valid claims submitted, which is expected to be drawn from a substantial $47.5 million fund established by the defendants to cover payouts after all legal fees and expenses.

How to Claim Your Payment

Claimants can submit their claims through the settlement website simmonsBIPAsettlement.com or by calling 1-855-688-8844. The deadline for submitting claims is July 29, 2025. It is essential for claimants to respond before this date to ensure eligibility for payouts.

Options for Class Members

Class members can take several actions:
1. Do Nothing: If an individual chooses this option, they will not be eligible for compensation and will also relinquish their right to pursue further legal action against the defendants regarding this lawsuit.
2. Comment or Object: Members can express opinions or concerns regarding the terms of the settlement with the court.
3. Exclude Yourself: An individual may choose to opt out of the settlement, preserving their right to file individual lawsuits against Motorola Solutions and Vigilant Solutions regarding the same issues being settled. To exclude oneself, formal notification must be sent to the settlement administrator by mail or email by July 8, 2025.

Legal Representation

Lawyers from the law firm Loevy & Loevy have been appointed by the court as class counsel to represent the interests of all settlement class members. There is also the option for individuals to hire their legal counsel if they wish, but this would incur personal legal fees. Class members Irene Simmons and Rodell Sanders are being recognized as representatives for the Settlement Class.

Court Approval Hearing

A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for August 20, 2025, at 9:30 AM at the Richard J. Daley Center in Chicago. This court session will determine the fairness of the settlement, address any objections raised, and consider applications for legal fees and expenses related to the case.

Additional Information

This document provides a brief overview of the proposed settlement. For comprehensive details and instructions, refer to the official website: simmonsBIPAsettlement.com. Participation in the settlement is vital for those impacted by the use of their biometric data without proper consent or compliance with the law.