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Oracle settles $115M privacy lawsuit, vows to limit data collection
OUR TAKEOracle coughing up $115 million for allegedly violating privacy? That’s a hefty price tag for collecting and selling our digital breadcrumbs without permission. It’s like they were compiling a detailed dossier on our lives, from what we eat to how we shop. And then they sold it to marketers?…
Headline
OUR TAKEOracle coughing up $115 million for allegedly violating privacy? That’s a hefty price tag for collecting and selling our digital breadcrumbs without permission. It’s like they were compiling a detailed dossier on our lives, from what we eat to how we shop. And then they…
Context
OUR TAKE Oracle coughing up $115 million for allegedly violating privacy? That’s a hefty price tag for collecting and selling our digital breadcrumbs without permission. It’s like they were compiling a detailed dossier on our lives, from what we eat to how we shop. And then they sold it to marketers? It’s a reminder that even the biggest tech giants can step over the line. Let’s hope this settlement sends a message that consumers’ privacy is not for sale. It’s not just about money; it’s about trust. Companies like Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica scandal have shown us the dangers of unchecked data collection. Oracle’s move to limit future data gathering is a start, but the fight for privacy continues. –Miurio huang, BTW reporter Oracle Corporation has agreed to pay $115 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the database software and cloud computing giant of invading consumer privacy. The lawsuit, filed as a proposed class action in San Francisco federal court, alleged that Oracle collected and sold personal information without authorisation. The plaintiffs contended that Oracle violated federal and state privacy laws, as well as the California constitution, by creating unauthorised “digital dossiers” on hundreds of millions of individuals.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
The preliminary settlement, filed on Thursday night, still requires judicial approval. Oracle has denied any wrongdoing. According to the lawsuit, these digital dossiers included sensitive information such as individuals’ online browsing history, banking details, gasoline purchases, dining habits, shopping behaviors, and credit card usage. The plaintiffs claimed Oracle then sold this information to marketers directly or through products like ID Graph. This product is advertised by Oracle as a tool to help marketers create personalised experiences for each consumer. The settlement covers individuals whose personal information Oracle collected or sold since August 19, 2018. As part of the agreement, Oracle has committed to ceasing the collection of user-generated information from URLs of previously visited websites and text entered in online forms, except on Oracle’s own websites. This settlement marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over consumer privacy and data collection practices by large technology companies. The named plaintiffs in the case include privacy rights activist Michael Katz-Lacabe and Jennifer Golbeck, a University of Maryland professor specialising in social media and privacy. The law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, representing the plaintiffs, may seek up to $28.75 million from the settlement for legal fees. Also read: Elon Musk’s xAI ends a $10B deal talk with Oracle
Key Points
- Oracle Corporation has agreed to pay $115 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the database software and cloud computing giant of invading consumer privacy.
- With the rapid expansion of digital technology and data-driven marketing, concerns about privacy and the misuse of personal information have become increasingly prominent.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
