Monthly Archives: March 2021

Tech Trouble Ends in Settlement

Invasion of privacy?

Concerning a prior consumer complaint, which accused Facebook of violating an Illinois privacy law, a settlement has been reached and approved by a judge. According to the lawsuit, without the permission of users, Facebook has used facial-recognition technology to help tag photos on profiles. The lawsuit was initially filed in 2015 in Illinois, where state privacy laws specifically forbid this type of biometric collection and storage of data without the consent of members. Since the lawsuit began, Facebook has altered its technology and has also been ordered by a judge to pay $650 million in compensation. Continue reading →

New Type of Class Action

Issues from A to Z

In 2020, after facing allegations that the company was purposefully slowing down iPhones, Apple entered a $113 million settlement with 34 state attorneys general. The tech company denied liability in the case and maintained that the software updates were meant to correct prior issues with older lithium-ion batteries. Since that class action ended, Apple has upgraded to a new class action lawsuit involving its butterfly keyboard. This month, a judge approved the class action status of the lawsuit, recognizing that the issue is similar, if not the same, for most affected customers. Continue reading →

Speeding Away from Liability

Leaving the scene

Following the shocking death of Nicki Minaj’s father, Robert Maraj, the man allegedly responsible for his demise has been charged and civilly sued for wrongful death. Although the famous singer has reportedly refrained from issuing a public statement in regards to the circumstances of her father’s death, Nicki Minaj’s mother, Carol Maraj, expresses relief in knowing that the man accused of killing her husband has been identified. On February 12 of this year, Robert Maraj was struck by a vehicle while walking in Mineola on Long Island and died in the hospital the following day. Continue reading →

A Settlement is Brewing

We want the real stuff

For about 62% of the US population, coffee is the desired beverage to kick start the day. Whether you purchase a cup on the way to work or brew your own at home, you are relying on the coffee to get you through the day, or at least until your 3 pm pick-me-up. While some consumers may not notice the origin of their coffee, others are more inclined to purchase grounds or pods that are authentic to certain regions. Kona coffee, for example, is native to Hawaii and is known for its smooth texture and sweet and nutty taste. Or so we thought. Continue reading →