Thousands of Californians may be eligible for a cash payout of up to $48 after Thomson Reuters agreed to a $27.5 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over data privacy violations. The lawsuit claimed that the company collected and sold personal information without consent through its CLEAR platform, a powerful data tool used by law enforcement and government agencies.
What Was the Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit was initially filed in 2020 by Cat Brooks and Rasheed Shabazz, who accused Thomson Reuters of secretly gathering personal data, photos, and other identifying details of California residents without their knowledge. According to the lawsuit, this data was then sold to law enforcement agencies and other clients, violating consumer privacy rights.
CLEAR is a database designed to provide detailed background checks, including addresses, phone numbers, criminal records, and even social media data. The plaintiffs argued that this level of surveillance was done without public awareness or approval.
How Much Can You Get?
If you lived in California and your information was collected and sold through the CLEAR platform, you might be eligible to receive a payment. Payouts range from $19 to $48 per person, depending on the total number of claims filed.
The deadline to file a claim was December 27, 2024. Those who submitted claims in time could expect payments once the settlement is finalized.
Why This Matters
This case highlights growing concerns about data privacy and how big companies handle personal information. With technology advancing, lawsuits like this serve as reminders of the importance of consent and transparency when it comes to personal data.
Stay tuned for updates as this settlement progresses. If you missed this deadline, don’t worry—other class-action lawsuits may still be open for claims. Keep an eye out for future opportunities to claim money you’re owed!
