Thomson Reuters CLEAR Data Privacy Settlement How California Residents Can Claim Your Compensation
A recent report revealed that over 60% of Americans have been impacted by some form of data breach or unauthorized data collection. This stark reality highlights a growing concern: large corporations are profiting from consumers’ private information without their knowledge. One such high-profile case is the class action lawsuit against Thomson Reuters, which exposed the company’s unlawful practice of selling personal data through its CLEAR platform.
For California residents, this could mean an opportunity to claim compensation. If you lived in California anytime between December 2016 and October 2024, you might be eligible to participate in a $27.5 million settlement. This settlement is part of a legal lawsuit that calls out the violation of California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which mandates that companies obtain explicit consent before collecting or selling personal information.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Thomson Reuters CLEAR data privacy settlement. From understanding the legal context and nature of violations to the eligibility and claim process, this guide ensures that you are fully informed about how you can secure your compensation and take a stand for your privacy rights.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Thomson Reuters CLEAR Settlement
What is the Thomson Reuters CLEAR Settlement?
In a significant development for California residents, Thomson Reuters has agreed to a $27.5 million class action settlement concerning its CLEAR platform. This settlement is in response to claims that Thomson Reuters unlawfully collected and sold personal data through its CLEAR database without the consent of individuals in California. The CLEAR database includes a wide array of sensitive information, such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, employment records, and more, which were sold to businesses, government agencies, and law enforcement.
Legal Background Violation of Privacy Rights
Thomson Reuters, a leading media and information company, has been accused of violating the privacy rights of California residents under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Unfair Competition Law. These laws are designed to protect consumers from the unauthorized sale of their personal data and provide a legal framework for desiring damages when those rights are infringed.
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
The CCPA, enacted in 2018, mandates that companies must obtain explicit consent before collecting or selling personal data of California residents. It also grants consumers the right to access, delete, or opt out of the sale of their data. Thomson Reuters allegedly failed to comply with these provisions, leading to the lawsuit and subsequent settlement.
Why This Settlement Matters
This settlement represents a major win for data privacy advocates and California consumers. The settlement not only provides financial compensation to those affected but also includes provisions for protecting privacy moving forward. Thomson Reuters is required to implement measures to safeguard consumer data and prevent similar privacy breaches in the future.
Eligibility: Who Can File a Claim?
Who is Eligible for the Settlement?
If you were a resident of California at any point between December 3, 2016, and October 31, 2024, you may be eligible to receive compensation. You must have been 18 years of age or older during this period. Importantly, you do not need to provide proof of residency to file a claim—an attestation under penalty of perjury is sufficient.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Residency: You must have lived in California between December 3, 2016, and October 31, 2024.
- Age: You must have been 18 years or older during this time.
- No Proof of Residency Required: You do not need to provide documents like ID or utility bills. Simply attest that you lived in California during the relevant period.
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How to File Your Claim For CLEAR Data Privacy Settlement?
Filing a claim for compensation in the Thomson Reuters CLEAR data privacy settlement is straightforward. Follow these steps to submit your claim:
Step 1: Visit the Official Settlement Website
Go to the official settlement website, clearprivacysettlement.com.
Step 2: Complete the Claim Form
You can file your claim either online or by mail.
- Online: Fill out the digital claim form on the settlement website.
- Mail: Download the claim form, complete it, and send it to the address provided on the website.
Step 3: Provide Personal Information
You will need to provide your full name, current mailing address, phone number, and email address.
Step 4: Certify Your Eligibility
You must confirm that you were a California resident during the eligible time period, under penalty of perjury.
Step 5: Submit Your Claim
Ensure your claim is submitted online or received by mail by the claim deadline: December 27, 2024.
Compensation How Much Will You Receive?
After the deduction of legal and administrative fees, the payout for valid claims will range between $19 and $48. The exact amount you receive will depend on the total number of claims submitted. Fewer claims will result in a higher payout per individual.
Settlement Fund: $27.5 million
Potential Payment: $19 to $48 per valid claim
Claim Deadline: December 27, 2024
Final Approval Hearing: February 13, 2025
Legal and Privacy Implications of the Case
The Legal Framework: California’s Privacy Laws
The lawsuit against Thomson Reuters is grounded in two key legal protections for consumer privacy in California:
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): As mentioned earlier, the CCPA mandates that businesses must obtain consent before collecting and selling personal data of California residents.
- California Unfair Competition Law (UCL): This law prohibits businesses from engaging in unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business practices, including the unauthorized sale of personal information.
Thomson Reuters’s failure to obtain consent before selling personal data is a clear violation of both laws, and this settlement wants to hold the company accountable while offering compensation to affected individuals.
Payment Details and Comparison with Other Settlements
Payment Range: $19 to $48
This payment is smaller compared to other high-profile settlements, such as the Facebook Biometric Settlement ($397 per person) or the Equifax Data Breach Settlement ($125 per person). However, the Thomson Reuters CLEAR settlement is a significant step in the right direction for enforcing privacy rights in California, especially as it holds the company accountable for the unlawful sale of personal data.
Important Dates to Remember
- Claim Deadline: December 27, 2024
- Final Approval Hearing: February 13, 2025
Ensure that you file your claim before the deadline to receive compensation.
FAQs About the Thomson Reuters CLEAR Data Privacy Settlement
What personal data was allegedly sold by Thomson Reuters?
Thomson Reuters reportedly sold a wide range of personal data, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, employment records, criminal history, and other sensitive details. This data was collected through the CLEAR platform and sold to both private businesses and government agencies, including law enforcement.
Will this settlement affect future legal cases against Thomson Reuters?
This settlement resolves the claims related to the specific violations mentioned in this case, but it does not prevent other legal actions from being filed against Thomson Reuters for separate issues. However, by participating in this settlement, you waive the right to file a separate lawsuit for the same matter.
How is the settlement amount distributed among the claimants?
The total settlement amount of $27.5 million will be distributed among the eligible claimants based on the number of valid claims filed. The more claims submitted, the smaller the individual payout. The amount paid to each claimant is expected to range between $19 and $48, depending on the number of claims and the legal and administrative costs.
How will the settlement funds be handled if there are unclaimed funds?
If any portion of the settlement fund remains unclaimed after the distribution process, the remaining funds will typically be directed to a charitable cause, often related to privacy protection or consumer rights, depending on the terms of the settlement.
Can someone file a claim if they were a resident of California during the eligible period but have since moved?
Yes, as long as you lived in California during the eligible period (from December 3, 2016 to October 31, 2024), you are still eligible to file a claim, even if you no longer reside in the state.
What privacy changes will Thomson Reuters implement as part of the settlement?
As part of the settlement agreement, Thomson Reuters is required to make significant privacy changes to its CLEAR platform. These changes aim to enhance privacy protections, ensure better transparency regarding data usage, and prevent the unauthorized collection and sale of personal information in the future. These adjustments are designed to comply with California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other related privacy laws.
Conclusion
The Thomson Reuters CLEAR data privacy settlement is a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for consumer privacy rights. By holding companies accountable for the unauthorized sale of personal data, this settlement reinforces the importance of protecting individual privacy in an increasingly digital world. If you are a California resident who lived in the state between December 2016 and October 2024, you may be eligible to claim compensation for the unauthorized sale of your personal information.
To learn more or to file your claim, visit the official settlement website: clearprivacysettlement.com.
Sources:
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) – Official Text
- California Unfair Competition Law – Official Text
By submitting your claim, you help enforce stronger data privacy protections and ensure that corporations are held accountable for their misuse of personal data.
