Illinois Biometric Law Sets Strict Standards
Under BIPA, companies must notify individuals in writing before capturing biometric identifiers like voiceprints. The law also requires disclosure of how long such data will be retained and mandates a written release from the individual authorizing collection.
The plaintiffs contend Microsoft bypassed those safeguards when it rolled out automated transcription capabilities. They seek to represent a class of Teams users whose biometric information was captured while they were residing in Illinois, dating back to March 1, 2021.
The lawsuit demands either actual damages or $1,000 for each negligent violation — whichever is greater. If the court determines the alleged violations were intentional or reckless, statutory damages could rise to $5,000 per violation.
Broader Legal Pressures Mount
The Microsoft Teams voice collection suit arrives as Microsoft and its close partner OpenAI face separate legal challenges. The companies are currently defendants in consolidated federal multidistrict litigation alleging that copyrighted works, including journalists’ content, were used to train the artificial intelligence system ChatGPT without authorization.
Together, the cases underscore intensifying scrutiny of how major technology firms collect, analyze and deploy data — whether typed, spoken or written. As voice becomes code and meetings become metadata, the courtroom may become the next battleground over the limits of digital consent.
