BigClassActions.com
Advertisement

Google Faces Privacy Class Action Lawsuit in Canada



Vancouver, BC: A Canadian privacy violation class action lawsuit has been filed against Google LLC, alleging the internet giant has been collecting location data from Android smart phone users even when “location services” are shut off and SIM cards are removed.

Filed by Vancouver resident Kipling Warner, the complaint states “Google collects, uses, retains and commercialises [sic] the location data it takes from users, and profits from it. Google’s wrongful acts violated the Privacy Act ... and unjustly enriched it at the expense of users. Through this suit, Canadian users seek to hold Google accountable for this unlawful conduct.”

The lawsuit, filed on November 28 in BC Supreme Court, claims Warner owns a Samsung Galaxy S4 that runs Google’s Android operating system. Despite having had the phone’s location services feature disabled, Warner asserts that in 2017, Google “began a program of mass user surveillance.” The data, according to the lawsuit, enabled Google to monitor and identify users’ movements and locations.

“Google’s decision to collect the Location Data was planned and deliberate, and was made knowing that users had not consented to, and were not aware of, its collection,” the proposed class action states.

Further, Kipling claims, Android users’ privacy was violated and the data collection could allegedly facilitate “surveillance by hackers or undesireable state actors” while people who need their locations kept secret such as victims of abuse, journalists and confidential sources, or undercover police officers, are under “increased risk of personal harm from disclosure,” the claim states.

Kipling seeks an order certifying the suit as a class proceeding, damages for breach of the Privacy Act, and “disgorgement of all benefits received by Google attributable to the unauthorised [sic] collection, retention, and use of the Location Data.”
 

Internet Privacy Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered similar damages or injuries, please fill in our form on the right and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Last updated April 12 2020

Reader Comments

Posted by

on
Is this for Canada residents only? Or are residents of the United States also eligible to sign up?
Thank you

Posted by

on
I am having a serious problem with my Google account. Somehow, I keep unsolicited advertisement on my cell phone and I had never gave my permission. I've gone to METRO-PCS and I asked if they can adjust my cell so that I no longer get these crazy advertisements... to no avail....... I don;t know wha to do here. Please include me in the case. Thank you

Posted by

on
i am having that problem now. 1/13/2019

Posted by

on
they are in constant breach taking liberties of my family's privacy

Posted by

on
i keep my location off but as soon as i get on google web my location turns on by itself and then says its collecting my contacts data

Add Your Comment on This Issue

Please read our comment guidelines before posting.


Note: Your name will be published with your comment.


Your email will only be used if a response is needed.

Request Legal Help