Disney Sued: $5M Lawsuit Over Facial Recognition Use
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is facing a $5 million lawsuit alleging the misuse of facial recognition technology, according to court documents filed this week. The lawsuit, filed in Orange County, California, claims Disney improperly uses the technology to identify and track guests without their explicit consent.
The plaintiffs, represented by law firm Miyares & Associates, allege that Disney has been implementing facial recognition systems at its theme parks – including Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort – for years. The complaint asserts that the company’s practices violate California and Florida consumer protection laws, particularly regarding data collection and privacy.
Disney began using facial recognition technology to identify guests in 2018, initially focusing on identifying individuals with a history of rule violations or those on banned lists. The lawsuit claims this practice has expanded, and now encompasses a broader range of guests, without adequate notification or consent. The technology is reportedly used at park entrances, ride queues, and other locations throughout the resorts.
The lawsuit raises concerns about the potential for misidentification and the accumulation of sensitive biometric data. Plaintiffs argue that Disney’s use of this technology creates a risk of inaccurate matches and the potential for misuse of the collected data. They are seeking damages and an injunction to prevent Disney from continuing the alleged unlawful practices.
Disney has not yet issued a formal response to the lawsuit. However, the company has previously stated that it uses facial recognition technology responsibly and only for security purposes. The case is expected to draw significant attention to the growing concerns surrounding the use of biometric data and facial recognition technology in public spaces, particularly within the entertainment industry.
