google classroom

Google Facing Lawsuit Over Collection of Facial Scans, Personal Data From Children

School districts are increasingly turning to Google for online classroom tools during the coronavirus pandemic, but the company has faced scrutiny for the data it collects on students.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Apr 07, 2020

An Illinois parent is suing Google on behalf of his two children for collecting biometric data, particularly facial scans and “voiceprints,” from millions of students through its educational services.

The lawsuit, which is seeking class action status, was filed last Thursday in a San Jose, Calif. federal court, CNET reported. The father, Clinton Farwell, claims that Google collects data through a program that provides Chromebooks and free access to G Suite for Education apps, including email, calendar and Docs services.

Under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), the collection of facial scans, fingerprints or other biometric data without providing advance notice, obtaining written consent and disclosing how the data will be used. In recent years, Illinois residents have filed class action lawsuits against tech giants with some success, including a $550 million settlement with Facebook in January.

The Google lawsuit claims that the data collection program violates BIPA as well as the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which requires parental consent when companies collect personal data on users who are younger than 13 years old.

"Google has complete control over the data collection, use, and retention practices of the ‘G Suite for Education’ service, including the biometric data and other personally identifying information collected through the use of the service, and uses this control not only to secretly and unlawfully monitor and profile children, but to do so without the knowledge or consent of those children's parents," the lawsuit reads, according to CNET.

Read More: New Bill Would Update Children’s Online Privacy Law In Wake Of YouTube, TikTok Controversies

In February, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas sued the company for similar allegations relating to COPPA violations, including the collection of student locations, web histories, search histories, contact lists and voice recordings. YouTube, which is owned by Google, resolved a COPPA lawsuit of its own in September 2019 with a $170 million settlement and an agreement to make changes to its children’s content system.

Usage of Google’s tools by students, teachers and staff has rapidly increased as districts have been forced to move instruction, exams and operations online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Google Classroom downloads have increased to 50 million, and the company has partnered with the California state government to donate 4,000 Chromebooks to students in need.

Farwell is seeking damages of $1,000 to each member of his children’s class for BIPA violations committed “negligently” and $5,000 each for violations committed “intentionally or recklessly,” according to the complaint. Google has declined to comment on the lawsuit.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.