Tag Archives: technology

Watch Your Purchased Items

Is the pain worth it?

Apple is known for its innovative technology and smart products. A new lawsuit, however, showcases a design that might not have come initially advertised. Five consumers of the Series 3 smartwatch have filed a class action lawsuit, alleging a defect that causes personal injury. One of the claimants was so severely injured that the broken watch display sliced open a vein. Unfortunately, this is not the first stream of complaints reported. As early as 2015, when the first Apple Watch was introduced to the market, customers have described appearances of burn marks or rashes on their wrists. Continue reading →

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 →

Facebook Settles for a Brighter Future

Recognize this?

Illinois Facebook users are finding some relief in the most recent legal settlement against the social media company.  According to Illinois law, companies may not collect facial recognition information and data without prior consent of the detected individual.  One of Facebook’s features tags photos through the use of software that distinguishes facial similarities.  The lawsuit reached class action status and was originally filed in 2015.  Claimants argued that Facebook did not obtain prior authorization of Illinois residents who use Facebook.  Instead the social media company implemented the feature as a default for users. Continue reading →

What’s Going on With WhatsApp

Risking privacy for security

Earlier this year, WhatsApp users were under surveillance.  Almost 1,500 people in 20 countries who downloaded the app were affected.  In response to NSO Group previously installing malware on the cellular devices of the users, the communication app company, WhatsApp has taken legal action.  The lawsuit cites NSO Group as violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.  The Israel-based company targeted known journalists, human rights activists, female leaders, and their families, under the guise of protecting citizens and preventing crime and terrorism.  The individuals who were placed under surveillance were not named in the lawsuit. Continue reading →