UK Apple users attempting to sue Google over nonconsensual cookies placed in Safari are getting serious pushback from Google. The giant claims it is exempt from UK privacy laws. Caroline Donnelly reports:
That’s according to UK law firm Olswang, who is representing a group of UK Apple users who have accused the search giant of monitoring their internet habits via the Safari browser.
As reported by IT Pro back in January, Google is alleged to have circumnavigated Apple’s security controls and privacy settings to deposit cookies on people’s computers without their consent. These are then thought to have been used to deliver user-targeted advertisements.
Olswang issued a statement at the time claiming the actions breached the “confidence and privacy” of its clients, who are now seeking damages and an apology from Google.
The claim has reportedly been filed by three people, whose actions have also won the backing of campaign group Safari Users Against Google’s Secret Tracking.
However, Olswang has released a statement this week claiming Google has filed legal documents stating it has no case to answer in the English court, and has refused to accept service of the lawsuit in the UK.
Read more of her report on IT Pro. The Register also covers the legal wrangling.