Case Claims Biometric Impressions Corp.’s Fingerprint Collection Violated Illinois Privacy Law

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Biometric Impressions Corp. has joined the ranks of companies facing proposed class actions over alleged violations of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). According to a lawsuit out of Illinois circuit court, the fingerprint vendor and criminal background check provider overstepped state law when collecting and storing individuals’ fingerprints on behalf of its government and private industry clients.

The plaintiff says he was directed by a prospective employer to visit one of the defendant’s 25 Illinois locations, where he paid $35 to have his fingerprint collected. The man claims Biometric Impressions failed to provide him with written notification that his sensitive information was being collected and stored and the length of time for which the data would be retained, which the case says are two of the BIPA’s requirements. Further, the lawsuit alleges that the defendant never established or published a publicly available retention and destruction policy that could be accessed by the plaintiff and other potential class members.

The case claims Biometric Impressions “knew or should have known” of the BIPA’s requirements, meaning its alleged violations of the law were reckless or at least negligent.

The lawsuit seeks to cover anyone who had their fingerprints “collected, captured, received, or otherwise obtained or disclosed” by the defendant in Illinois “during the applicable statutory period.”