A a group of consumers in the UK Google has sued Google over allegations that the company illegally collects personal data from more than five million iPhone users in order to serve more relevant ads.
The alleged misuse of privacy settings took place in the context of the saga known as the “Safari Workaround”, with Google accused of using a method to bypass Safari browser settings and enable cookie to serve more "personal" ads to iPhone users.
Η team estimates that around 5,4 million consumers could win several hundreds of pounds in damages and estimates that Google will eventually have to agree to a fine of 2,7 billion pounds.
Ο Richard Lloyd, a former chief executive of Which and a government adviser, says Google has breached section 4 of the Data Protection Act 1998 and that those concerned can seek compensation under section 13 of the same act.
Lloyd reports that if the indictment is approved, clients will be allowed to fill out one electronic έντυπο, να παρέχουν τα data them to receive some compensation under the lawsuit.
"I think what Google did was just illegal. Their actions have affected millions of users and we will ask the courts to redress this significant breach. With this lawsuit, we will send a strong message to Google and other tech giants in Silicon Valley that we are not afraid to resist breaking the law. "
"Google owes all those affected. "Together, we can show Google that they can not download our data without our consent and that no matter how big or powerful it is, no one can be above the law."
While Google has not issued a statement about this lawsuit, it is not the first time the company has been sued for the Safari Workaround.
In March of 2015, the Court of Appeals of the United Kingdom decided that consumers had the right to pursue torts against Google to collect their data without permission.
Google said at the time that it was "disappointed with the court ruling."
