The Lip Bar Faces Proposed Class Action Over Alleged Violation of Privacy Through Its "Virtual Try-On" Feature
The Lip Bar, Inc., a popular cosmetics company, is facing a proposed class action lawsuit for allegedly violating the privacy rights of Illinois consumers. The lawsuit claims that the company failed to obtain consent from customers before collecting their face geometry data through its online "virtual try-on" feature. This feature has been an attractive selling point for the brand, allowing users to virtually try on various makeup products before purchasing them. However, the lack of proper consent may have put the company in hot water.
The proposed class action lawsuit filed in Illinois federal court accuses The Lip Bar, Inc. of violating the state's Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). According to the complaint, the company's online "virtual try-on" feature collects, stores, and uses face geometry data from customers without obtaining their informed consent.
The Biometric Information Privacy Act was enacted in 2008 to protect Illinois residents from the unauthorized collection and use of their biometric information. Under this legislation, companies are required to obtain written consent from consumers before collecting their biometric data and provide information on how this data will be used, stored, and ultimately destroyed.
The lawsuit claims that The Lip Bar, Inc. failed to comply with BIPA by not obtaining the necessary consent and not providing consumers with the required information about their biometric data usage. If the company is found to have violated BIPA, it could face significant fines and be required to change its data collection practices.
Under BIPA, companies can be fined up to $1,000 per violation for negligence and up to $5,000 per violation for intentional or reckless non-compliance. Moreover, companies may also be required to pay the affected consumers' attorney fees and damages. The lawsuit seeks to represent all Illinois consumers who have used The Lip Bar's "virtual try-on" feature and had their face geometry data collected without proper consent.
This proposed class action lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of privacy rights and the need for companies to prioritize compliance with data protection laws. Consumers should be aware of the information they share with companies, and businesses must ensure they are following the necessary regulations to protect their customers' privacy.
Suppose you are an Illinois resident who has used The Lip Bar's "virtual try-on" feature and believe your face geometry data was collected without your consent. In that case, you may be eligible to join the proposed class action lawsuit.
The Lip Bar, Inc.'s proposed class action lawsuit is a prime example of the importance of adhering to privacy regulations, particularly when it comes to collecting biometric data. While the outcome of this case remains to be seen, it serves as a reminder for both consumers and companies to be vigilant when it comes to privacy rights and data protection.