YouTube LLC and Google LLC have agreed to pay $6,022,500 to settle a lawsuit over alleged violations of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The lawsuit alleged that YouTube collected and stored biometric data through its face blur feature without providing proper notice or obtaining user consent, as required by Illinois law.
The settlement could benefit an estimated 16,500 Illinois residents who uploaded at least one video to YouTube and used the face blur tool. Eligible claimants are expected to receive an average payout of around $200, though the final amount will depend on the number of valid claims and court-approved deductions.
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Illinois Residents Could Receive $200 Each
The settlement is open only to specific YouTube users. To file a claim, individuals must meet all three requirements:
- Be a current or former resident of Illinois
- Have uploaded at least one video to YouTube
- Have used the face blur feature on that uploaded video
Even if an individual has multiple YouTube accounts, only one claim per person will be accepted. The settlement administrator will verify eligibility and prevent duplicate claims to ensure fair distribution of funds.
Claim Process and Filing Deadline
Illinois residents who qualify must file their claims no later than November 30, 2025. Claims may be submitted online through the settlement website or by mailing a printed and completed PDF form.
The mailing address for paper submissions is:
YouTube Biometric Privacy Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 301134
Los Angeles, CA 90030-1134
The administrator may request additional details if a claim is incomplete or if any information is missing. Eligible users must provide the email address associated with their YouTube account to confirm participation.
Payment Options for Claimants
Successful claimants can select from multiple payout methods to receive their settlement funds. The available options include:
- Zelle for quick digital transfers
- PayPal for online wallet payments
- Direct deposit to a bank account
- Paper check mailed to the individual’s address
Payments will be distributed approximately 61 days after the court grants final approval or resolves any appeals.
Breakdown of the $6M Settlement
The $6,022,500 settlement fund is divided into different categories before claimants receive payments. The largest portion is reserved for eligible Illinois residents, but other costs are also covered.
| Allocation Category | Amount or Limit |
|---|---|
| Attorneys’ fees | Up to $1,505,625 |
| Service award for class representative | Up to $5,000 |
| Administrative costs | To be determined |
| Attorneys’ expenses | To be determined |
| Taxes | To be determined |
| Payments to class members | Remaining balance |
If uncashed checks or failed electronic payments occur, the administrator will issue a second round of payments to those who received their first payout. Any funds left after this second distribution will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois.
Important Deadlines and Court Dates
Claimants should be aware of the key court deadlines. The claim submission deadline is November 30, 2025. Individuals who wish to opt out of the settlement or file an objection must do so by December 9, 2025. The court will hold the final approval hearing on December 30, 2025.
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Claim filing deadline | November 30, 2025 |
| Opt-out or objection deadline | December 9, 2025 |
| Final approval hearing | December 30, 2025 |
Background of the Lawsuit
The class action lawsuit argued that YouTube and Google violated BIPA by collecting and storing biometric identifiers through the face blur tool without first notifying users or obtaining their consent. Under BIPA, companies must inform individuals when biometric data is collected, disclose the purpose, and specify how long the data will be stored.
YouTube and Google denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the face blur feature was designed to protect user privacy. However, to avoid ongoing litigation and the associated risks, the companies agreed to settle.
Broader Implications
This settlement is one of several recent cases that highlight Illinois’ strong biometric privacy protections. BIPA has led to multiple lawsuits against major tech companies in recent years, often resulting in significant settlements. The YouTube case demonstrates how Illinois continues to enforce strict standards around biometric data, ensuring that residents’ privacy rights are upheld.
The YouTube Face Blur BIPA Settlement provides eligible Illinois residents with an opportunity to receive compensation while emphasizing the importance of privacy compliance. With an average payout of approximately $200 per claimant, this case underscores the growing protection of biometric data under state law. Claimants must act before the November 30, 2025 deadline to ensure they receive their share of the settlement.
FAQs
Who is eligible to file a claim in the YouTube settlement?
Eligibility is limited to current or former Illinois residents who uploaded at least one video to YouTube and used the face blur feature. Only one claim per person is permitted, regardless of the number of YouTube accounts.
How much money will claimants receive?
The estimated payout is around $200 per claimant, though the final amount may vary depending on the number of valid claims and deductions for fees and expenses.
What is the deadline to submit a claim?
The deadline to submit a claim is November 30, 2025. Missing this deadline will result in losing eligibility for payment.
How will payments be made?
Payments can be received through Zelle, PayPal, direct deposit, or paper check. Claimants will choose their preferred method when filing a claim.
When will settlement payments be distributed?
Payments are expected to be distributed approximately 61 days after the final approval hearing on December 30, 2025, or once any appeals are resolved.