BNSF Railway BIPA Settlement: $75M

You are a member of the Settlement Class if you registered your fingerprint information using an auto-gate system at any of BNSF’s four Illinois Facilities between April 4, 2014, and March 5, 2024.

If you received a paper Notice, you have been identified as someone who may have registered your fingerprint information using an Auto-Gate System at one of BNSF’s four Illinois facilities between April 4, 2014, and March 5, 2024. 

Yes, proof is required.

This proposed settlement aims to resolve two class action lawsuits against BNSF Railway Company, alleging violations of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The lawsuits claim that BNSF required truck drivers to register their fingerprint information using an auto-gate system at its Illinois facilities without complying with BIPA.

The Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) is a state law enacted to regulate the collection, storage, and use of biometric information, including fingerprints, retina scans, and facial recognition technology. BIPA imposes requirements on private entities, including businesses, that collect or possess biometric data, mandating informed consent, data protection measures, and limitations on sharing biometric data.

To receive payment from the Settlement Fund, Class Members do not need to take any action. If the Settlement is approved by the Court, the Settlement Administrator will automatically issue checks to Class Members at their last known mailing addresses. Eligibility as a Class Member can be checked by clicking a provided link.

However, to ensure receipt of their monetary benefit without automatic tax withholding, Class Members must provide their social security numbers to the Settlement Administrator by July 15, 2024. Instructions for providing this required tax information are available here.