Omnicell Agrees to Settlement in Biometrics Lawsuit: Everything You Need to Know
Omnicell, one of the leading providers of medication management systems, has agreed to a settlement in a biometrics lawsuit. The company has been accused of violating Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by collecting, storing, and using the biometric data of its employees without obtaining proper consent.
The settlement, which is still pending court approval, is expected to be worth $17.2 million. The case was initially filed in November 2019, and since then, Omnicell has been working with the plaintiffs to reach a resolution.
What is BIPA, and Why Does it Matter?
BIPA is a state law that regulates the collection, storage, and use of biometric data. It requires companies to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting their biometric information, disclose how the data will be used and stored, and establish a retention schedule for the information.
Biometric data refers to physical or behavioral characteristics that can be used to identify an individual, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and voiceprints. This type of information is considered particularly sensitive because it cannot be changed like a password or social security number.
BIPA has been in effect since 2008, but it has become increasingly relevant in recent years as companies have started using biometric data for a variety of purposes, including security and authentication.
The Omnicell Lawsuit and Settlement
The lawsuit against Omnicell was brought by current and former employees who claimed that the company violated BIPA by collecting their biometric data without obtaining proper consent. The plaintiffs argued that Omnicell used their biometric information to track their time and attendance, and that the company did not fully disclose how the information would be used or stored.
After more than a year of litigation, Omnicell agreed to a settlement worth $17.2 million. The company did not admit any wrongdoing but agreed to implement new policies and procedures to ensure compliance with BIPA in the future.
Lessons Learned
The Omnicell settlement serves as a reminder to companies of the importance of complying with BIPA and other privacy regulations. Collecting and storing biometric data can be a useful tool for authentication and security, but it must be done in a way that respects individuals’ privacy and rights.
Businesses must obtain proper consent, disclose how the information will be used and stored, and establish clear retention schedules. Failure to do so can result in expensive lawsuits and damage to a company’s reputation.
Conclusion
The Omnicell settlement highlights the need for companies to take privacy regulations seriously and ensure that they are in compliance with BIPA and other laws. As biometric technology becomes more prevalent in the workplace, it is essential for businesses to be transparent about their data collection practices and protect individuals’ privacy rights. By doing so, companies can avoid costly legal battles and maintain the trust of their employees and customers.
