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A class action lawsuit has been filed against smart vibrator manufacturer We-Vibe in the US over its collection of data of its users.
A month or so ago, We-Vibe hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons when it was revealed by security researchers that the vibrators were communicating information about when they were used, how long for, what ‘vibe’ patterns are used and what temperature the device reaches.
Naturally, users of the app-controlled device weren’t over the moon at the news and decried it a privacy outrage, arguing that the data is too personal to be collected in such a surreptitious way. IN its defence, the company confirmed at the time that it was collecting the data but only so that it can see how its customers use its products and refine future models.
A reasonable statement, and standard practice for virtually every company, but it’s a trickier, more sensitive subject when you’re dealing with adult products.
The lawsuit alleges that the company’s collection of “the date and time of each use, the vibration intensity level selected by the user, the vibration mode or pattern selected by the user, and incredibly, the email address of We-Vibe customers” was not properly disclosed. The action, the group claims, violated the “Federal Wiretap Act and Illinois Eavesdropping Statute; intrusion upon seclusion; unjust enrichment; and consumer fraud,” according to CourtHouse News.
We asked We-Vibe for a statement and will update if we hear back.
Update: We-Vibe told us nothing’s been served:
“At this time we have not been served and we cannot comment on rumor or speculation. Should we receive additional information, we will review it thoroughly and comment at the appropriate time.
There’s been no allegation that any of our customers’ data has been compromised. However, given the intimate nature of our products, the privacy and security of our customers’ data is of utmost importance to our company. Accordingly, we take concerns about customer privacy and our data practices seriously.
Over the course of the last few weeks, we have taken steps to further enhance the data security and privacy measures for our product offering. As part of this effort, we have engaged external security and privacy experts to conduct a thorough review of our data practices with a view of further strengthening data protection and privacy for our customers. We are also committed to better communicating our data practices.”
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