A $27.5 million class action settlement has been reached with media and information giant, Thomson Reuters, over alleged violations of California consumer data privacy laws. The lawsuit centers around the use of the company's public records tool, CLEAR, which was purportedly used to collect and sell consumer personally identifiable data without obtaining the necessary user consent. The claimants are consumers who resided in California at any point between December 3, 2016, and October 31, 2024. They are entitled to a payout estimated to be between $19 and $48, with no proof or documentation required at the claim filing stage. This settlement is significant in the context of ongoing debates around consumer data privacy, and the rights and responsibilities of companies that collect and use such data. As a well-known multinational company, Thomson Reuters' alleged actions highlight the tension between the use of consumer data for business purposes and the protection of individuals' privacy rights. This case will likely impact how other companies approach data collection and usage, particularly within the context of specific state laws like those in California. The deadline for affected consumers to file a claim is December 27, 2024.