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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RECORD

Monday, November 4, 2024

Plaintiffs Accuse Tech Giant Google LLC Of Violating Privacy Laws Through Unauthorized Data Collection

State Court
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April Johnson has filed a lawsuit against Google LLC, accusing the tech giant of unlawfully intercepting and monetizing users' private data. The complaint was filed on October 8, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. The case alleges that Google violated multiple privacy laws by tracking users even when they were using "Incognito mode" on Google Chrome.

According to the complaint, April Johnson and other plaintiffs allege that Google engaged in surreptitious interception, collection, saving, and selling of personal and sensitive user data without consent. This practice allegedly occurred while users were under the impression that their browsing activities were private due to Google's assurances regarding its "Incognito mode." The plaintiffs argue that despite Google's representations that users could control what information was shared with them, the company continued to track and collect data for targeted advertising purposes. The complaint further claims that Google's practices infringe upon users' privacy rights and deceive consumers seeking to safeguard their personal data.

The lawsuit outlines several causes of action against Google, including violations of the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act (CDAFA), invasion of privacy through intrusion upon seclusion, breach of contract, and violations under California's Unfair Competition Law (UCL). Plaintiffs assert that Google's actions constitute a serious invasion of privacy by unlawfully intercepting confidential communications without consent. They also accuse Google of breaching its own privacy policies by continuing to track users in Incognito mode despite promises to the contrary.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages for actual losses suffered due to these alleged violations. They demand statutory damages amounting to $5,000 per violation or three times the actual damages incurred. Additionally, they seek punitive damages for willful misconduct as well as disgorgement of profits derived from unlawful practices. The lawsuit also requests injunctive relief to prevent further unauthorized data collection by Google.

Representing April Johnson in this legal battle is Potter Handy LLP with attorneys Mark Potter, Barry M. Walker, and Claire Cylkowski leading the charge. The case is being presided over by Judge M. Suarez under Case No. 24CV449071 at the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County.

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