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Internet privacy: Option consommateurs wins first round against giant Google

Montreal, July 6, 2022 - A class action attacking Google's large-scale personal data collection practices was recently authorized by the Superior Court.

Option consommateursrepresented by the Belleau Lapointe law firm, accuses the web giant of failing to obtain sufficient consent from Internet users who use its services or visit websites incorporating tools developed by Google.

We also criticize the multinational for not respecting the "forbid tracking" signal on web browsers, and for misrepresenting the fact that the browser's "incognito" mode enables confidential web browsing.

Google's business model is based on the continuous capture of Internet users' personal information in almost every corner of the Web," points out Alexandre Plourde, lawyer and analyst at Option consommateurs. Google is able to track Internet users' activities, often without their knowledge, on nearly 90% of the websites they visit."

Members ofclass action are Internet users who have used since June 22, 2017 a service offered by Google that does not require the creation of a Google account, such as Google Search or Google Maps, or people who have browsed a website using one of the tools offered by Google, such as Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager or the "Sign in with Google" login button.

class action is asking the company to reimburse group members for the value of their personal data, in addition to demanding payment of $50 million in punitive damages.

Option consommateurs invites consumers to subscribe to its newsletter to keep abreast of developments, or to register on the Belleau Lapointe website.

 

About Option consommateurs

Option consommateurs is a non-profit association whose mission is to defend the rights and interests of consumers. It focuses on issues related to personal finance, business practices, financial services, privacy, energy, debt and access to justice.

 

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For more information or an interview:

Marie-Ève Dumont, Senior Communications Advisor

514-777-6133

[email protected]