What's BIPA per-violation?

$1,000 negligent / $5,000 intentional.

Is each scan a violation?

Yes per Cothron v. White Castle (2023).

Did the 2024 amendment help?

Partially — limited class certification for some scenarios.

Who can sue under BIPA?

Any Illinois consumer/employee whose biometric was collected.

BIPA Illinois Biometric Settlement Calculator

Illinois BIPA (740 ILCS 14): $1,000 per negligent violation, $5,000 per intentional/reckless. Per scan, per person — each fingerprint/face scan = separate violation. Cothron v. White Castle (2023 IL SC): each scan = separate damages. Massive class action exposure for retailers, gym chains, hospitality.

Persons affected

Avg scans per person

Intent

BIPA Mechanics

Illinois 2008 law. Companies collecting biometric identifiers (fingerprints, face scans, retina) must obtain written consent + provide policy. Violations carry per-incident statutory damages.

Cothron v. White Castle (2023)

Illinois Supreme Court: each scan = separate damages. Multiplied potential exposure 50-100x. 2024 legislative amendment limits some class actions.

Major Settlements

Facebook $650M (2021), TikTok $92M (2021), Snap $35M (2022), Hulu $14M (2023), White Castle $50M (2023).

Source and Disclaimer

740 ILCS 14, Cothron v. White Castle (2023 IL 128004). 2024 BIPA amendment (HB3811) modified some provisions.

Source: 740 ILCS 14, Cothron v. White Castle. Last updated: May 2026.