Clearview AI, Inc., Consumer Privacy Litigation
The causation theory in MDL-2967 centers on the unauthorized collection and use of biometric data, primarily facial images, which leads to privacy violations, psychological distress, and increased risks of identity theft. Court documents and expert reports emphasize that these harms are caused by the unlawful scraping and storage of biometric identifiers without consent, violating laws such as the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA). The documented harms include emotional distress from privacy breaches and the potential for biometric data misuse in identity theft, with legal arguments focusing on the direct causation of these harms by Clearview AI's practices.
0
Pending actions
14
Total actions filed
Active
Status
12/15/2020
Established
Filing deadline
The initial filings date back to August 2020. The Illinois Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA) generally provides a 5-year statute of limitations for biometric privacy claims, which suggests claims filed after August 2025 may be barred unless extended or tolled through court-approved procedures. Specific claim deadlines are tied to the settlement process, with claim submission periods typically within 30-60 days after settlement approval.
Who qualifies
Individuals whose facial biometric data was collected or processed by Clearview AI without proper consent from approximately 2017 to 2019, primarily from publicly available internet sources, and who reside in Illinois or other states with biometric privacy laws. Class members include those whose images were scraped from social media and online platforms without explicit permission. The class includes individuals who suffered privacy violations, psychological distress, or potential identity theft due to the unauthorized collection and storage of biometric data.
Products involved
- facial recognition technology
- biometric data collection system
Alleged injuries
- Privacy violations due to unauthorized biometric data collection
- Psychological distress caused by privacy breaches
- Increased risk of identity theft and financial fraud from biometric data misuse
Bellwether trials
Most of the MDL-2967 case has been resolved through a court-approved settlement in March 2025, valued at approximately $51.75 million. There are no upcoming bellwether trials scheduled, and recent verdicts are not reported, indicating the case is largely settled.
Settlement landscape
The case resulted in a $51.75 million settlement approved in 2025, which included monetary awards and equity stakes for class members. The settlement also imposed restrictions on Clearview AI’s data collection practices and mandated compliance with biometric privacy laws, notably BIPA.
Lead counsel
- Loevy & Loevy
This page is generated from the official JPML pending-MDL report and public court records, refreshed monthly. It is provided for attorney reference and is not legal advice.
