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Amazon Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Secret Phone Tracking of Consumers
Lawsuit Filed in California Federal Court
Amazon is facing a proposed class action lawsuit in San Francisco federal court, alleging that the company secretly tracked consumers’ movements through their cellphones and sold the collected data.
Allegations of Unauthorized Data Collection
According to the complaint, Amazon gained “backdoor access” to consumers’ phones by embedding its Amazon Ads SDK code in apps developed by third-party developers. This allegedly allowed Amazon to gather large amounts of timestamped geolocation data, revealing details about consumers’ daily lives, including their residences, workplaces, shopping habits, and visits to sensitive locations.
The data reportedly exposed information such as religious affiliations, sexual orientations, and health concerns, all without consumer knowledge or consent.
Plaintiff’s Claims Against Amazon
The lawsuit was filed by Felix Kolotinsky, a California resident, who claims Amazon collected his personal data through the “Speedtest by Ookla” app on his phone. Kolotinsky asserts that Amazon violated California’s penal law and a state law prohibiting unauthorized computer access.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages on behalf of millions of California consumers affected by these alleged practices.
Amazon’s Response and Legal Precedent
Amazon has not yet responded to the allegations. Meanwhile, legal experts note that complaints about unauthorized data collection are becoming increasingly common.
Growing Concerns Over Consumer Privacy
Individuals and regulators have raised alarms over companies allegedly collecting and monetizing personal data without consent. In a related case, Texas recently sued an insurance company for allegedly tracking drivers through their phones and using the data to adjust insurance rates.
The Amazon case, Kolotinsky v. Amazon.com Inc et al, is currently being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, under case number 25-00931.
“Amazon Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Secret Phone Tracking of Consumers” “Amazon Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Secret Phone Tracking of Consumers”