FTC’s New Biometric Policy Statement Articulates New Governance Standards and an Expansive View of Biometric Data
On May 18, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued its 2023 Policy Statement on Biometric Information and Section 5 of the FTC Act (the “Policy Statement”) describing the agency’s concerns about these fast-proliferating technologies and articulating a set of compliance obligations for businesses that develop or use biometric technologies. To address potential risks of bias, discrimination, and security associated with the collection or use of biometric information, the FTC wants businesses to, among other things, conduct pre-release risk assessments evaluating the potential for bias and other potential consumer harms, assess these risks on an ongoing basis, and evaluate and potentially audit third parties with access to a business’s biometric data.
Illinois Supreme Court Clarifies Accrual for Illinois Biometric Privacy Act Claims
For the second time in two weeks, the Illinois Supreme Court clarified the scope of the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA) — this time in Cothron v. White Castle. The court, in a 4–3 decision, held that BIPA claims accrue each time biometric data is collected or transmitted, and not just the first time.1
Illinois Supreme Court Clarifies Statute of Limitations for Illinois Biometric Privacy Act Claims: Five Years
Last week, the Illinois Supreme Court held that a five-year statute of limitations applies to all claims under the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA), further expanding the already broad scope and application of the Illinois statute.1