Did you live in California from 2016 to 2024? You could have got $156.09 from a privacy settlement. Is it real? How did it work? This guide tells you everything.
Thomson Reuters used a tool called CLEAR. It got people’s private information without asking. This broke California’s privacy rule. The clear privacy settlement fixed this with $27.5 million. I’m Orland Howell. I’ve written about lawsuits for four years. I know settlements well.
This guide helps you understand the case. It says if it’s safe, what Reddit says, and more. Your private information matters. This settlement protects it.
What Is the Privacy Settlement?
Two people sued Thomson Reuters in 2020. They were Cat Brooks and Rasheed Shabazz. They said CLEAR got private information without asking. This was against California’s rule.
The lawsuit is called Brooks v. Thomson Reuters Corp. A California court heard it. Judge Edward Chen said yes to a $27.5 million deal on February 21, 2025. This money helps people whose information was used. The settlement covers California people from December 3, 2016, to October 31, 2024.
Here are the main facts:
- It helps people from 2016 to 2024.
- People thought they’d get $19 to $48.
- Only 125,302 people asked for money. That’s very few.
- So, each person got $156.09 in April 2025.
- Thomson Reuters must make CLEAR better. They’ll let people say no to data use. They’ll delete data if asked.
This case is important. It shows companies can’t take your information. It follows California’s privacy rule, the CCPA. I know lawsuits. This one keeps your data safe.
Is the Privacy Settlement Legit?
You might ask, “Is the clear privacy settlement legit?” Yes, it’s real. Here’s why it’s safe.
Angeion Group runs the settlement. They’re good at claims. The website is clearprivacysettlement.com. A judge said it’s okay on February 21, 2025. Nobody said no. Two law firms helped: Gibbs Law Group and Cohen Milstein. They know privacy cases. Reddit users said they got $156.09 in April 2025. This shows the money is real.
Watch for tricks. Only trust emails from info@clearprivacysettlement.com. Never pay to get money. Scams happened with cases like Equifax. That’s why people search “is this settlement legit.” I study settlements. This one is safe. The court and lawyers make it true.
Here’s why it’s okay:
- A real court said yes.
- Good lawyers worked on it.
- People got their money.
- The website is clear.
This case is not a trick. It’s a real way to get money.
Understanding Thomson Reuters’ CLEAR Platform
What is CLEAR? It’s a tool by Thomson Reuters. Police, companies, and government use it. It finds your address, family, and job.
CLEAR made a problem. It got public and private information without asking. It made big files called “cradle-to-grave dossiers.” This broke California’s privacy rule. The clear privacy settlement fixes this.
Cat Brooks was scared. She thought her information could go to bad groups. Rasheed Shabazz wanted to remove data easily. Their lawsuit made changes. Thomson Reuters did this:
- People can say no to data use.
- CLEAR skips family details unless asked.
- Californians can delete data if they show who they are.
These changes make CLEAR safer. The case shows companies must follow rules. It keeps your information safe. I write about cases like this. This one fights for your rights.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
Most California people can get money. You just need a few things. Let’s see what they are.
You can claim if:
- You lived in California from December 3, 2016, to October 31, 2024.
- You were 18 or older there.
- Your information was used by CLEAR. Most was.
You don’t need proof. Just say you lived in California. Even if you moved, you can claim. This makes the settlement easy for millions. About 15 million could have claimed. Only a few did. That’s why each got more money.
I’ve seen many lawsuits. This one is easy to join. The rules are simple. Most California people qualify. Check if you lived there then.
How to File a Claim
The last day to claim was December 27, 2024, at 11:59 PM. If you didn’t claim, you can’t get money now. Here’s how people did it.
They followed these steps:
- Go to clearprivacysettlement.com.
- Fill a form with name, address, and contact.
- Pick how to get paid: check, PayPal, or Venmo.
- Say you lived in California from 2016 to 2024.
- Send it online or mail to: CLEAR Privacy Settlement, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Tips they used:
- It took one minute.
- They got an email to check.
- They used the real website to stay safe.
Money came in April 2025. The court said yes on February 13, 2025. People got $156.09. I know settlements. The clear privacy settlement was easy and safe. People got money fast.
What Are People Saying on Reddit?
Reddit talked a lot about this case. People posted on r/ClassActionSettlement. A post on April 23, 2025, was big. User u/Upper_Doctor_9057 said they got $156.09. It had 19 votes and 16 comments.
People said money came fast. They used Venmo or PayPal. Some were shocked at $156.09. They expected $19 to $48. Few people claimed, so payouts were bigger. Reddit users were happy. They told others to check. This answers “settlement reddit” searches.
Reddit shows real stories. People like you shared what happened. It proves the case worked. I study Reddit for settlements. These posts show the money was real.
The Broader Context: AI and Privacy in California
This privacy case is part of a bigger story. California made a rule in 2018. It’s called the CCPA. It says companies must tell you what information they take. You can delete it or stop them selling it.
CLEAR used AI to get information. This scared people. A 2023 study said 57% of people think AI hurts privacy. CLEAR got data without asking. Other cases happened too. Equifax paid $425 million in 2017 for losing data. Oracle had a privacy case in 2024.
This settlement could change things. Companies might make AI clearer. They’ll say what data they use. I write about privacy rules. This case makes your information safer. It shows California protects you.
Here’s why it’s big:
- AI gets data fast.
- Rules like CCPA help you.
- Settlements make companies obey.
- Your privacy stays safe.
This case helps everyone’s privacy.
FAQs
Is this settlement legit?
Yes, it’s real. A court said okay on February 21, 2025. People got money in April 2025. Check clearprivacysettlement.com.
How much did people get?
Everyone got $156.09. It was more than $19–$48 expected. Fewer people claimed, so payouts grew.
What if I didn’t claim?
You get no money. You can’t sue Thomson Reuters for this.
Can people outside California claim?
No. Only California people from 2016 to 2024 can claim.
How do I check my claim?
Call 1-855-969-4049 or email info@clearprivacysettlement.com
These answers help with questions. They match searches like “is the settlement legit.”
Conclusion
The clear privacy settlement gave $156.09 to Californians. It fixed a problem with Thomson Reuters’ CLEAR. It was safe and real. A court checked it.
You can’t claim now. But you can learn more. See Reddit for stories. Visit clearprivacysettlement.com to know more. This case shows privacy matters. I’m Orland Howell. I write about settlements. This one protects your information. Stay smart about your rights.
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Orland Howell is a seasoned content writer with four years of deep expertise in crafting compelling and informative content about lawsuit settlements. With a keen understanding of legal nuances and a talent for translating complex topics into clear, engaging narratives, Orland helps law firms, legal professionals, and clients communicate effectively. His work spans blog posts, articles, whitepapers, and website content, all designed to educate, inform, and drive results. Passionate about empowering audiences with knowledge, Orland combines precision, creativity, and industry insight to deliver content that resonates and builds trust.