Google could be facing a class action lawsuit in the UK. A group called Google You Owe Us is filing a lawsuit against Google in the UK.
The group is alleging that Google took people’s personal information illegally between 2011 and 2012 on Apple’s iPhone. The group is alleging that Google bypassed privacy settings on the iPhone in its Safari browser.
The Allegations Against Google
The core of the allegations revolves around what has been termed “the Safari Workaround.” According to the group, Google managed to bypass the default privacy settings on the iPhone’s Safari browser. This workaround allowed Google to track users’ internet browsing history without their consent. The collected data was then allegedly used to sell targeted advertising services, which is a significant revenue stream for Google.
We believe that Google took millions of iPhone users’ personal information illegally in 2011 and 2012.
Google did this by bypassing default privacy settings on the iPhone’s Safari browser. This has been called “the Safari Workaround”. The workaround tracked internet browsing history, which Google then used to sell a targeted advertising service.
Google makes huge amounts of money from selling targeted advertising. In 2016, they earned $80 billion from advertising alone.
Implications and Broader Context
The implications of this lawsuit are far-reaching. If successful, it could set a precedent for how tech companies handle user data and respect privacy settings. The case also highlights the growing concern over digital privacy and the lengths to which companies might go to monetize user data.
Richard Lloyd, the leader of the group, is a former director of Which in the UK, a consumer rights organization. His involvement lends credibility to the case and underscores the seriousness of the allegations. Lloyd and his team argue that Google’s actions were not just a minor oversight but a deliberate attempt to exploit user data for financial gain.
The lawsuit also brings to light the broader issue of how tech giants operate in the digital age. With the increasing amount of personal data being generated and collected, the need for stringent privacy protections has never been more critical. This case could potentially lead to more rigorous regulations and oversight, ensuring that companies cannot easily bypass privacy settings to gather data.
Moreover, the financial stakes are enormous. Google’s revenue from advertising was a staggering $80 billion in 2016 alone. This figure illustrates the immense value of targeted advertising and why companies might be tempted to sidestep privacy norms to enhance their advertising capabilities. However, it also raises ethical questions about the balance between business interests and user privacy.
The outcome of this lawsuit could also influence other jurisdictions. If the UK courts rule against Google, it might encourage similar legal actions in other countries, further tightening the noose around companies that prioritize profit over privacy.
For more detailed information about the lawsuit and its progress, you can visit the group’s official website at the link below.
Source Google You Owe US, The Verge
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