Walmart's AI Voiceprints Face Illinois Scrutiny

Illinois residents have filed proposed class actions alleging that Walmart used AI during customer and store-service calls to create voiceprint templates and assess vocal characteristics for purposes including fraud prevention.

The plaintiffs argue that these templates are protected biometric identifiers under Illinois law and that Walmart did not provide sufficient notice, retention details, or written consent. The cases remain at an early stage, with no ruling on liability or whether the alleged templates qualify as protected biometric data.