California residents may claim compensation from $27.5M Thomson Reuters settlement.
Residents of California could potentially receive compensation from a substantial $27.5 million lawsuit settlement stemming from a class action against media giant Thomson Reuters. This lawsuit was initiated in 2020 by East Bay activist Cat Brooks and Oakland journalist Rasheed Shabazz, focusing on the company’s investigative software platform, CLEAR.
CLEAR, distinct from the airport security program of the same name, is an online tool used primarily by governmental bodies and law enforcement agencies to conduct swift investigations.
However, Brooks and Shabazz argue that Thomson Reuters exploited this platform to gather a significant amount of personal information—photos, identifying details, and other data—about American consumers, including California residents, without their consent.
According to the 2022 complaint filed by Brooks and Shabazz “on behalf of all others similarly situated,” Thomson Reuters profited from selling this information to corporations, law enforcement, and government entities, leaving the individuals whose data was sold completely uninformed and uncompensated.
The complaint highlights the extensive data accessible through CLEAR, which includes detailed profiles with names, photographs, criminal records, familial connections, financial details, and employment history for hundreds of millions of individuals.
Despite Thomson Reuters denying any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to deposit $27.5 million into a settlement escrow account to resolve the allegations. Additionally, Thomson Reuters has committed to removing locally stored CLEAR data related to California residents upon request, provided individuals can confirm their identity and residency.
California residents who have lived in the state over the past seven years may be eligible for compensation from this settlement. Those interested in making a claim must submit their Claim Form by the deadline of December 6, 2024.
For more information about eligibility and the claims process, residents are encouraged to visit the official settlement website.
Related: Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against iLearningEngines, Inc. for Securities Fraud