By Dave McKay | July 15, 2020
Data Gathered Even When Users Decline
Google records user activity hundreds of thousands of mobile apps even when the users have followed Google’s instructions on how to turn off the monitoring. Google faces a class action lawsuit.
The lawsuit has been filed by the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner on behalf a handful of individual consumers. Interestingly, the list of clients includes Facebook Inc and Oracle Corp.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the filing. They’re probably trying to get their breath back from the shock of seeing Facebook pretending they care about privacy, and the safeguarding of data.
The complain says Google violated federal wiretap laws and the new California privacy law by monitoring user’s browsing and app use habits, despite the users having turned off the “Web & App Activity” tracking.
“Even when consumers follow Google’s own instructions and turn off ‘Web & App Activity’ tracking on their ‘Privacy Controls,’ Google nevertheless continues to intercept consumers’ app usage and app browsing communications and personal information,” the lawsuit contends.
In June 2020, Boies Schiller Flexner accused Google of covertly recording Chrome browser users’ activity even when in Incognito mode. Google said it would fight the claim.
Source: Reuters