Customers who bought vibrators found out that their “toys” had more access to their activities that they bargained for. An app that accompanied the We-Vibe enabled users to customize the vibrator's features and operate it remotely. However, the app also collected and transmitted intimate details about how the sex toy was used. Too much information shared with the company with the users oblivious that this was happening. After discovering intimate details of the apparatus sent to the company's server, along with identifiable details, users filed a class action lawsuit.
Class action response
The lawsuit was filed in the North District of Illinois Eastern Division District Court against the parent company Standard Innovation, claiming that the We Connect app transmitted information that included vibration modes and patterns and email addresses without the customers' knowledge. The company must pay $4 million Canadian dollars under the terms of the settlement. The women whose information was transmitted when they used the app could receive as much as $10,000, while those who only purchased the device are eligible for up to $199. The women are reportedly happy to receive the pay-out and the company is happy to have settled the lawsuit fairly.
Improving Privacy
Standard Innovation claim that they do take customers' privacy seriously and said, “We have enhanced our privacy notice, increased app security, provided customers more choice in the data they share, and we continue to work with leading privacy and security experts to enhance the app.
--” The company, based in Ontario, Canada, can now only collect information that is non-identifiable in aggregate form. They are needed to inform customers that they are collecting such information.
The need to be vigilant
It is a reality today that being “connected” comes with its own privacy concerns. One cyber security official warns that the more personal devices become connected, consumers must be more vigilant about their security. When using devices like sex toys, the expectation of privacy is much higher and users need to read the fine print and be more aware of what information can and cannot be transmitted.
