As of October 2023, training data is available. After a successful settlement between YouTube LLC and Google LLC for a total of $6,022,500 concerning charges around Illinois’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), their lyrical conflict comes to an end. The complaint detailed that YouTube had misappropriated and saved biometric data obtained from the face blur accent feature, but did not notify or obtain user authorization as indicated in Illinois law.
This settlement is intended for 16,500 Illinoisans at least one of whom has uploaded videos on YouTube and used the blur face feature. The average payment for qualifying claimants is estimated to be a little less than $200; however, these amounts will finally depend on valid claims and deductions approved by the court.
Maximum Benefits of $200 Likely for Illinois Residents
The settlement is available to qualifying users of YouTube alone. A claim may be filed when the person meets the following three criteria:
- The individual would presently or previously reside in Illinois
- Have uploaded at least one video in YouTube
- The uploaded video has used the face blur mask
Having more than one YouTube account does not entitle an individual to duplicating claims. The Settlement Administrator will authenticate, take measures to prevent duplication of claims, and ensure the fair distribution of funds to any individual making a successful claim.
Procedures and Deadlines for Claims
November 30, 2025, is the deadline for all eligible Illinois residents to file their claims under this settlement. Claimants can file claims electronically via the settlement website or on paper through a downloaded PDF form.
Paper Submission Address:
YouTube Biometric Privacy Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 301134
Los Angeles, CA 90030-1134
If another review of submitted claims reveals that needed information lacks inclusion, the administrator can require further information before making a determination of validity. Eligible individuals are required to share the email address connected to their YouTube account for verification purposes.
Payment Mode for Claimants
Successful claimants will have different means through which payments can be made to them. These may include:
- Instant digital transfers via Zelle
- PayPal online wallet payments
- Direct deposits to an individual’s bank account
- Paper checks delivered to a personal address
Payments will be distributed roughly sixty-one days after settlement approval or after the determination of the completion of any appeals.
All Necessary Information on the $6 Million Settlement
From the $6,022,500 in settlement funds, several different pots have been allocated for payment to eligible claimants. The bulk of this will go to correct Illinois residents, with other varieties of expenses included as well.
- Fees for attorneys: $1,505,625 at most
- Service award for the class representative: capped at $5,000
- Administrative costs, attorney fees, and taxes: To be decided by the court
- Payments to class members: Remaining balance
If checks bounce back or electronic payments are unsuccessful, a reissue will be given to original recipients. Any funds left after a second disbursement will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois.
Important Dates and Court Proceedings
There are some important court dates to which claimants must keep track:
- Claim submission deadline: November 30, 2025
- Opt-out or objection deadline: December 9, 2025
- Court’s final approval hearing: December 30, 2025
Background Information About the Suit
According to the class action complaint, biometric identifiers were collected and stored by YouTube and Google without soliciting prior notification or consent. BIPA requires that users be well informed about how the collection would happen, for what purpose, and the duration for which the relevant biometric data would be retained.
Acceptance of BIPA violations is denied by both Google and YouTube, claiming that their Face Blur feature served privacy protection purposes. Nonetheless, the companies agreed to settle to prevent lengthy, expensive litigation and risk-taking.
Wider Effects of the Settlement
This is among other increasing cases showing how great the law is within the protection of biometrics in Illinois. BIPA has turned into a battlefield with the biggest tech companies and mostly settles at extremely high amounts. This particular case signifies Illinois’ stringent rules about biometric data concerning its residents’ privacy rights.
The YouTube Face Blur BIPA settlement provides potential cash payouts for qualified Illinois residents and also serves as an example for compliance in privacy achievement. Averaging just below $200 per claimant, it demonstrates clearly how state law has increasingly protected biometric data over the years.
Claimants must file ahead of November 30, 2025, to secure settlement proceeds.
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible for the YouTube Face Blur settlement?
A. Illinois residents who uploaded at least one video and used the face blur feature.
Q2: How can claimants file for the settlement?
A. Claims can be filed online via the settlement website or by mailing a completed PDF form.
Q3: What is the estimated payout per eligible claimant?
A. The average payment is around $200, depending on valid claims and court-approved deductions.
