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

  • UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

    UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now

  • ESA Announces Initiative to Introduce the SECURE Act in State Legislatures

    The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the national voice for the electronic security and life safety industry, has announced plans to introduce the SECURE Act in state legislatures across the country beginning in 2025. The proposal, known as Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures, provides a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • 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

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.