Types of Data Privacy Breaches
Businesses that collect and maintain data often experience breaches, which could threaten your safety and privacy. Different failures have different labels and may have different outcomes and solutions.
Data Breaches and Cybersecurity Failures
Not every data breach is unavoidable. Businesses that collect sensitive personal information have a legal duty to implement reasonable security measures to protect it.
When companies fail to maintain appropriate cybersecurity safeguards, consumers may become victims of identity theft, financial fraud, tax fraud, medical identity theft, or other serious harms.
Examples of negligent data security include:
- Failure to encrypt sensitive information.
- Weak password protection or authentication procedures.
- Failure to update known security vulnerabilities.
- Poor employee cybersecurity training.
- Inadequate network monitoring.
- Failure to promptly detect or respond to unauthorized access.
A single cybersecurity failure can expose the confidential information of thousands of individuals.
Biometric Privacy Litigation
Biometric information is among the most sensitive personal data a company can collect. Unlike a password, a fingerprint or facial scan cannot be changed once compromised.
Businesses increasingly use biometric technology for:
- Timekeeping systems
- Employee attendance
- Facial recognition
- Mobile device authentication
- Security access systems
- Customer identification
Many states have enacted laws governing the collection, storage, retention, and destruction of biometric information. Companies that fail to comply with these laws may be liable for significant damages.
Common Types of Personal Information Exposed
A data privacy violation or data breach may involve:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Financial account information
- Credit card information
- Medical records
- Health insurance information
- Email addresses
- Passwords
- Birth dates
- Biometric identifiers
- Fingerprints
- Facial recognition data
- Voiceprints
- Online account credentials
Even when identity theft has not yet occurred, exposure of sensitive information can place consumers at ongoing risk of fraud for years to come.
Class Action Data Privacy Lawsuits
When a company’s conduct affects hundreds, thousands, or millions of consumers, individual lawsuits are often impractical.
A class action allows similarly situated individuals to pursue their claims together, helping level the playing field against large corporations while promoting accountability and meaningful change.
Class actions involving data privacy and cybersecurity frequently arise from:
- Large-scale data breaches.
- Unauthorized disclosure of consumer information.
- Improper sale of personal data.
- Biometric privacy violations.
- Failure to notify consumers after a breach.
- Negligent cybersecurity practices.
How Do I Know If I Qualify for a Class Action?
You do not need to prove you lost money to have a valid claim to join a class action lawsuit. You may qualify to participate in a data privacy class action if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You Received a Notice: You received a formal letter or email from a company stating that your personal information was compromised in a data breach.
- You Experienced Fraud: You noticed unauthorized charges, fraudulent accounts opened in your name, or tax fraud following a suspected corporate data leak.
- Your Privacy Was Invaded: You discovered a business or employer collected your fingerprints, facial scans, or tracking data without your explicit, written consent.
