Defendant: PowerSchool Holdings LLC, Hobsons Inc., Heap Inc. | Category: Data Breach & Privacy | Added: 2026-07-08
Alleged Issue
Alleged interception and tracking of confidential student communications and activity on the Naviance college-planning platform without proper consent.
Eligibility
Persons in the U.S. who, while a student, logged into the Naviance Platform (offered by Hobsons, later PowerSchool) at least once between August 18, 2021 and January 23, 2026. Case: Q.J. v. PowerSchool Holdings LLC, et al., No. 1:23-cv-05689 (N.D. Ill.).
Estimated Payout
Pro rata share of a $17,250,000 fund after fees and costs; per-claimant amount depends on total claim volume.
Claim Deadline
2026-07-27
Background
The lawsuit alleges that PowerSchool, Hobsons, Heap, and Chicago Public Schools intercepted students' confidential communications through education-technology tools embedded in the Naviance platform, in violation of several federal and state laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Illinois Eavesdropping Act, and the Illinois School Student Records Act. As is typical in these settlements, the defendants deny breaking any law and say they settled only to avoid the expense and risk of continued litigation. The resolution creates a $17.25 million common fund that covers claims, notice and administrative costs, attorneys' fees, and a service award, with the remainder split pro rata among claimants. A final approval hearing is set for August 19, 2026 in the Dirksen federal courthouse in Chicago.