We-Vibe Sync Class Action Lawsuit
In March 2016, two consumers filed a class action lawsuit against Standard Innovation Corp., the Canadian company that manufactures the We-Vibe Sync, a Bluetooth-enabled sex toy. The lawsuit alleged that the We-Vibe Sync app collected and transmitted sensitive user data, including the date and time of each use, vibration settings, and even the user’s location, without their consent.
Allegations Against Standard Innovation Corp.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit alleged that Standard Innovation Corp. violated the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) by collecting and transmitting user data without their consent. They also alleged that the company violated California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) by failing to disclose its data collection practices.
Standard Innovation Corp.’s Response
Standard Innovation Corp. denied the allegations against it and argued that the data it collected was necessary for the operation of the We-Vibe Sync app. The company also argued that it had taken steps to protect user data, such as encrypting data at rest and in transit.
Settlement of the Lawsuit
In February 2017, Standard Innovation Corp. agreed to settle the lawsuit for $3.75 million. The settlement required the company to delete all user data it had collected and to implement additional data security measures. The settlement also allowed consumers who had purchased a We-Vibe Sync to claim a refund or a replacement device.
Impact of the Lawsuit
The We-Vibe Sync class action lawsuit was one of the first major lawsuits to allege that a sex toy manufacturer had violated user privacy laws. The lawsuit helped to raise awareness of the potential privacy risks associated with connected devices.
Conclusion
The We-Vibe Sync class action lawsuit is a reminder of the importance of data privacy and the need for companies to be transparent about their data collection practices. Consumers should be aware of the data that is being collected about them and should take steps to protect their privacy.
