Verizon is accused of capturing and storing customers’ voiceprints without permission.
Verizon is now facing a class action lawsuit from customers who claim that the company failed to obtain informed written consent from them before collecting their voiceprints which violates Illinois law. Plaintiffs Thelton George Parker Jr. and Steven Doyle allege that Verizon captures and stores customer voiceprints without providing adequate disclosures and obtaining consent, both required under the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA).
In Illinois, biometric data (such as fingerprints, voice, iris, face, and more) can be used to identify a person and as a result, this data needs special protection. The BIPA allows a company to use biometric data to identify and authenticate an individual but the law does require companies to give customers certain disclosures and get their written consent before these firms are allowed to collect and store biometric data from their subscribers.
Verizon collects voiceprints for its Verizon Voice ID system although the wireless provider does not follow the requirements placed on it by BIPA according to the lawsuit.
