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

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

  • 6 Ways Security Awareness Training Empowers Human Risk Management

    Organizations are realizing that their greatest vulnerability often comes from within – their own people. Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, making it imperative for organizations to address human risk effectively. As a result, security awareness training (SAT) has emerged as a cornerstone in this endeavor because it offers a multifaceted approach to managing human risk. Read Now

  • The Stage is Set

    The security industry spans the entire globe, with manufacturers, developers and suppliers on every continent (well, almost—sorry, Antarctica). That means when regulations pop up in one area, they often have a ripple effect that impacts the entire supply chain. Recent data privacy regulations like GDPR in Europe and CPRA in California made waves when they first went into effect, forcing businesses to change the way they approach data collection and storage to continue operating in those markets. Even highly specific regulations like the U.S.’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) can have international reverberations – and this growing volume of legislation has continued to affect global supply chains in a variety of different ways. Read Now

  • Access Control Technology

    As we move swiftly toward the end of 2024, the security industry is looking at the trends in play, what might be on the horizon, and how they will impact business opportunities and projections. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area. 3

  • 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. 3

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3