Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field Security

The Chicago Cubs and the security provider at Wrigley Field have become embroiled in a significant legal battle over alleged breaches of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. A class action lawsuit filed in federal court claims that both the team and its security service have been gathering biometric data, specifically facial recognition information, without obtaining proper consent or providing adequate notice to individuals.

The lawsuit, brought by a plaintiff on behalf of herself and others affected, targets both the Cubs and Blue Star Security LLC, operating as Protos Security. The alleged violations took place during the plaintiff’s attendance at games in Wrigley Field on May 25 and August 17. Biometric identifiers encompass various forms of biometric data, including fingerprints, voiceprints, or facial geometry scans, all of which are used to identify individuals.

To streamline security procedures and enhance efficiency, the Cubs introduced new security technology before the 2021 season, aiming to eliminate the need for traditional metal detectors at entrance points. However, Illinois Law mandates that written consent and notice must be provided for the collection and storage of biometric identifiers, a requirement that the lawsuit claims was not met by the security measures implemented at the ballpark.

The lawsuit goes even further, alleging that the Cubs benefited financially from the unauthorized collection of biometric data, allowing them to cut down on security expenses while infringing on the privacy of fans and attendees. The potential outcome of this legal dispute remains uncertain, but the negative publicity surrounding Wrigley Field due to these allegations is less than ideal. Fans hope that any legal repercussions will not compromise security protocols ahead of playoff games and during high attendance events.

The plaintiff seeks a jury trial, a declaration that the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act was violated, and an injunction preventing the Cubs and Protos Security from continuing to collect biometric data without proper written consent.

As this legal battle unfolds, the focus on the Chicago Cubs shifts away from their on-field performance and towards the implications of their security practices. The outcome of this lawsuit could have broader implications for how organizations handle biometric information in the future. Fans and observers are left to wait and see how this legal situation will impact the Cubs and their operations at Wrigley Field.