Amazon Sued Over Location Data Tracking, Selling
Amazon was hit with a class-action lawsuit Wednesday for allegedly tracking and selling sensitive movement and location data of California residents.
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“Amazon collects timestamped geolocation data that reveals where a consumer lives and works, and which locations they frequent,” the complaint said. “The collected location data reveals sensitive information about each consumer, such as their religious affiliation, sexual orientation, and medical conditions. This enormous volume of data enables Amazon and its advertising partners to build a comprehensive profile about each consumer, including their movements and whereabouts.”
The plaintiffs, as well as members of the putative class, said they didn't consent to Amazon collecting or selling their sensitive data, nor is there a way to opt-out of the company’s practices. Such data reveals further sensitive information about users of the app and uses it to build a “comprehensive consumer profile,” according to the complaint.