
Amazon faces a $5 billion class action lawsuit for allegedly tracking consumers through their cellphones without consent, raising serious privacy concerns.
Key Insights
- Amazon is accused of using embedded SDK in apps to collect sensitive user data without authorization.
- The lawsuit claims Amazon gathered timestamped geolocation data, revealing personal information like home and work addresses.
- Collected data allegedly included sensitive details such as religious affiliation, orientation, and health issues.
- The case, filed in San Francisco federal court, seeks $5 billion in damages for unauthorized data collection.
- Amazon has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.
Amazon’s Alleged Data Collection Scheme
A San Francisco federal court is now the battleground for a proposed class action lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the tech giant of secretly monitoring consumers through their mobile phones. The lawsuit, filed by Felix Kolotinsky of San Mateo, alleges that Amazon used the Amazon Ads SDK, embedded in popular apps like “Speedtest” and “NewsBreak,” to gain unauthorized access to consumer phones and collect sensitive data.
The lawsuit claims Amazon collected timestamped geolocation data, which can reveal highly personal information about consumers. This data collection allegedly went far beyond basic location tracking, potentially exposing individuals’ religious affiliations, orientations, and even health issues. The scope and depth of this alleged data harvesting raise serious concerns about privacy violations and the ethical use of consumer information.
Amazon accused of secretly tracking shoppers — and selling sensitive data collected through backdoor https://t.co/aXsVp46Z6o pic.twitter.com/Nrlf00kPPl
— New York Post (@nypost) January 29, 2025
The Extent of Alleged Data Collection
According to the lawsuit, Amazon’s data collection practices were far more extensive than many consumers might realize. The company is accused of building comprehensive consumer profiles without consent, using precise geolocation data, mobile advertising IDs, and device fingerprint information. This allowed Amazon to create detailed pictures of individuals’ lives and habits, all without their knowledge or permission.
The lawsuit further alleges that Amazon created a data collection pipeline without providing consumers any means to opt out. This lack of transparency and control over personal data is at the heart of the legal challenge, highlighting the growing concern over tech companies’ use and potential abuse of user information.
Legal and Financial Implications
The class action lawsuit, filed under case number 25-00931 in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, is seeking $5 billion in damages for Amazon’s alleged unauthorized data collection. This substantial figure underscores the seriousness of the accusations and the potential financial repercussions for Amazon if found liable.
The lawsuit argues that Amazon’s actions violate California’s penal law and state law against unauthorized computer access. This legal challenge comes at a time of increasing scrutiny over big tech companies’ data practices, reflecting a growing concern among consumers and lawmakers about privacy rights in the digital age.
Broader Implications for Tech Industry
This lawsuit against Amazon is part of a broader trend of legal challenges against tech companies over data privacy concerns. A lawsuit was recently filed against Allstate in Texas for allegedly collecting and using private driving data without consent. These cases highlight the growing tension between tech companies’ data-driven business models and consumers’ rights to privacy and data protection.
As of now, Amazon has not responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for how tech companies handle user data. For consumers, this lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the importance of understanding how their data is collected and used by the apps and services they rely on daily.
Sources
- Amazon secretly tracked consumers through their cellphones, lawsuit alleges
- Amazon created software to secretly track location data of consumers via their phones, lawsuit claims
- Amazon accused of secretly tracking shoppers — and selling sensitive data collected through backdoor