When it comes to your personal data, the last thing you want is for it to be sold without your knowledge. That’s exactly what the Thomson Reuters CLEAR Data Privacy Class Action Settlement addresses.
If you lived in California between December 3, 2016, and October 31, 2024, you might be eligible to claim $19–$48 as part of a $27.5 million privacy settlement—no documents needed, just a simple online form.
This guide will walk you through what the lawsuit is about, who qualifies, how to file a claim, and why this case matters to everyone concerned about digital privacy.
Overview
This settlement stems from claims that Thomson Reuters sold Californians’ personal information using its CLEAR database, without getting their permission. This is a direct violation of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which gives residents rights over how their data is collected and used.
The CLEAR system is a powerful research tool used by law enforcement and private companies, often for background checks and investigations. But the lawsuit alleges it went too far by selling sensitive personal info without consent.
Here’s a summary of the settlement:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $27.5 million |
| Eligibility | CA residents (Dec 3, 2016 – Oct 31, 2024) |
| Potential Payment | $19 – $48 per valid claim |
| Deadline to File | December 27, 2024 |
| Proof Needed | No documents, only an attestation of eligibility |
| Final Hearing Date | April 13, 2025 |
| Official Website | clearprivacysettlement.com |
Lawsuit
Thomson Reuters is accused of collecting and selling private information without individuals’ knowledge or permission. This includes sensitive data like:
- Full names and home addresses
- Social Security numbers
- Employment records
- Contact details and emails
- Birthdates and identifiers
While the company argues CLEAR is a lawful service for research and security, the lawsuit insists it violated privacy protections under California law. The settlement doesn’t mean Thomson Reuters admitted wrongdoing, but it does mean eligible people can get compensated.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about money—it’s about setting a strong example for how companies treat personal data. Here’s why this case stands out:
- It protects consumer privacy by holding a major company accountable
- It enforces California’s tough data protection laws like the CCPA
- It sends a message to other corporations about transparency and consent
- It compensates affected individuals with cash payments
- It requires Thomson Reuters to take steps to improve future privacy practices
If companies know they can’t misuse personal data without paying a price, they’re more likely to play by the rules going forward.
File a Claim
You qualify for the settlement if:
- You lived in California at any point between December 3, 2016, and October 31, 2024
- You were at least 18 years old during that time
No ID or proof of residency is required. All you need to do is confirm your eligibility when submitting the claim form.
How to File
Filing is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Visit the official website: clearprivacysettlement.com
Step 2: Click on “Submit a Claim”
Step 3: Enter your name, mailing address, email, and phone number
Step 4: Confirm that you lived in California during the eligible timeframe
Step 5: Submit the claim online or print and mail it by December 27, 2024
Payouts
Payments will be sent out after the final court approval in April 2025. Your compensation depends on how many people file:
- Most claims will receive between $19 and $48
- Fewer claims mean higher individual payouts
Payment options may include direct deposit, PayPal, Venmo, or paper checks.
How It Compares
This isn’t the only class action involving personal data. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Settlement | Max Payout per Person |
|---|---|
| Facebook Biometric (2021) | $397 |
| Equifax Data Breach (2019) | $125 |
| CLEAR Privacy (This Case) | $19–$48 (estimated) |
While smaller, this case sets a new legal benchmark by addressing data misuse on a large scale.
Pro Tips
- File early to avoid last-minute issues
- Use accurate contact info to ensure delivery
- Save the settlement website for updates or questions
- Check your email for confirmation after submitting
FAQs
Who qualifies for this settlement?
California residents from Dec 2016 to Oct 2024.
Do I need proof of residency?
No, just a sworn statement on the claim form.
How much can I get from the settlement?
Between $19 and $48 per approved claim.
What’s the deadline to file?
You must file by December 27, 2024.
When will payments be sent out?
After April 13, 2025, if the settlement is approved.
