Bumble class action alleges app collects, customer user biometric data

Bumble biometric data class action lawsuit overview: 

• Who: Ashley Ott filed a class action lawsuit against Bumble Inc. 
• Why: Ott claims Bumble profits from facial scans it allegedly unlawfully collects from its users. 
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in Illinois federal court. 

Online dating and networking application Bumble profits from facial scans it collects or has otherwise obtained from users without first receiving the required consent, a new class action lawsuit alleges. 

Plaintiff Ashley Ott claims Bumble fails to inform its users in writing during a photo verification process of the specific purpose and length of term for which their biometric information is being collected, stored and used. 

“Bumble collected, stored, and used Plaintiff’s biometric information without ever receiving a written release executed by Plaintiff which would consent to or authorize Bumble to do the same,” the Bumble class action states. 

Ott claims Bumble also exposes its users to “serious and irreversible privacy risks” by allegedly collecting, using, and disseminating their biometric data to “further enhance” itself and its online app-based platform.

Ott wants to represent a class of Illinois residents who had their biometric information collected by Bumble at any time within the last five years. 

Bumble users who had biometric data collected lack data breach protection, class action says

Ott argues Bumble users who had their biometric data collected and stored by the app would be unable to protect themselves from injury in the event Bumble suffered a data breach. 

“Bumble users have no means by which to prevent identity theft, unauthorized tracking or other unlawful or improper use of this highly personal and private information,” the Bumble class action states. 

Ott claims Bumble violated Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act. He is demanding a jury trial and requesting declaratory and injunctive relief along with an award of actual and statutory damages for himself and all class members. 

Bumble users began reporting in August 2021 the reception of payments stemming from a $1.3 million class action settlement made to resolve claims the app discriminated against its male users by only allowing women to send messages first.

Have you had your biometric data collected by Bumble within the last five years? Let us know in the comments. 

The plaintiffs are represented by Michael L. Fradin of Fradin Law and James L. Simon of Simon Law Co. 

The Bumble biometric data class action lawsuit is Ott v. Bumble Inc., Case No. 1:23-cv-15658, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

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