Residents of Illinois may be owed money by Snapchat (VIDEO)

The social media network was accused of violating the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act for unlawfully collecting users„ biometric information, such as unique facial features through the use of features like “Lenses„ and “Filters," without their consent. The lawsuit was filed in May in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

At the center of the accusation is Snapchat's “Lenses” feature, which allows users to capture a „Snap.“ Users then modify their facial features with special effects, according to court documents. The lawsuit claims that this option involves the use of technology to create facial scans and „create, obtain, and store“ users' unique biometric identifiers.

The Illinois Biometric Privacy Act prohibits companies and private-sector institutions from collecting biometric data from citizens within the state or online. The law applies to all businesses regardless of where the companies are located. Data cannot be sold, transferred, or traded. Unlike any other state, citizens can sue for alleged violations.

On Monday, August 22, a $35 million settlement was reached in the case, although that amount still needs to go through a final approval hearing. The hearing is scheduled for November. The social media platform did not admit guilt. „Snap continues to vigorously deny that the “Lenses” feature violates BIPA. The feature is designed to require notice and consent before collecting biometric information used to identify people,“ a Snapchat spokesperson said in a statement on Monday, August 22.

Every Illinois resident who used Snapchat “Lenses” or “Filters” options between November 17, 2015, and now is eligible to submit a claim. Since the BIPA law applies to Illinois citizens, it relates only to residents of the state. The deadline for qualified residents to submit their claims is currently November 5. For more information on how to submit a claim, see Here.

SOURCE: NBC CHICAGO | PHOTO: NBC CHICAGO