Ecommerce: The Targeted Trail
Context
Your shopping app is offered a partnership to integrate a Software Development Kit (SDK) that tracks user locations for targeted ads. The SDK collects sensitive geolocation data without users’ explicit informed consent, and could reveal where they live, work, or receive medical care.
Dilemma
A) Decline the partnership or demand full transparency and explicit user opt-in for location tracking sacrificing a major income opportunity.
B) Integrate the SDK, rely on standard privacy policies, and enjoy the revenue boost.
Summary
A lawsuit accuses Amazon of secretly tracking consumers through their phones and selling collected data. Filed in San Francisco federal court, the suit claims Amazon's Ads SDK allowed the company to gather detailed geolocation data, revealing sensitive personal information without consent. Plaintiff Felix Kolotinsky alleges Amazon violated California laws on unauthorized data collection. The case follows growing concerns over corporate misuse of consumer data, with similar lawsuits filed against Allstate. Amazon has not responded to requests for comment. The lawsuit seeks damages for millions of Californians affected by the alleged privacy invasion.
Resources:
| Last modified: | 06 June 2025 2.33 p.m. |