Lawsuits have been filed alleging that Vizio Inc. installed invasive tracking software on its Smart TVs capable of monitoring consumers’ viewing habits and sending that information to a data storage company. Vizio is one of the leading manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of Smart TVs in the world, with over $3 billion in annual revenues. The company claims that the spyware is needed to compete with other TV manufacturers. Affected customers may be able to seek compensation from the company with the help of a Vizio spyware attorney.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
If you have purchased a Vizio Smart TV or any television with spyware installed, and would like more information on the Vizio spyware class action, contact Attorney Group. We can help answer your questions and, if you have a case, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you in pursuing a claim.
Lawsuit Claims Consumers’ Information Shared With Third Parties
According to techhive.com, one lawsuit filed in California in November 2015, claims that Vizio Inc. and co-defendant Cognitive Media Networks shared the viewing data of consumers with third parties, advertisers and content providers, along with potential personally identifiable information. The lawsuit claims that the spyware:
- Monitors in real time what consumers are watching
- Scans home networks to capture consumers’ identifying information
- Reports back to servers owned and operated by Cognitive Media Networks
The lawsuit also claims that the defendants disclosed this collected information to third-party brokers and advertisers. At no time, the lawsuit asserts, did the defendants disclose their tracking activities, nor do they obtain consent to engage in such activities.
Violations of The Video Privacy Protection Act Claimed
The plaintiff is claiming that Vizio is violating the Video Privacy Protection Act (1988), which prevents cable TV providers and video rental companies (any company engaged in rental, sale or delivery of audio visual content and not necessarily video tapes) from selling information about their customers’ viewing habits.
Vizio asserts however, that this law does not apply to them, but instead insists their spying software provides “highly specific viewing behavior data on a massive scale with great accuracy and that it needs the spyware to compete financially with other TV manufacturers.” The plaintiff is seeking class certification, an injunction, and statutory and punitive damages for false advertising, fraud, negligent omission, unjust enrichment and violations of the Video Privacy Protection Act and California business laws, the website reported.
Vizio Spyware Class Action Lawsuits
Consumer class action lawsuits have been filed against Vizio, accusing the company of fraudulent business practices and invasion of privacy. As the scope of the installation of spyware on Vizio Smart TVs becomes clearer, it is anticipated that additional Vizio spyware class action lawsuits, as well as individual lawsuits, will be filed on behalf of affected consumers.
How Can Spyware Affect You?
In addition to the various state and federal laws that are violated when a consumer is subject to spyware, such monitoring software constitutes an invasion of privacy. Information obtained through spyware may also be compromised in a data breach, risking the disclosure of a consumer’s personally identifiable information and financial losses.
Consumers affected by Vizio spyware may be eligible to seek compensation from the company with the assistance of a Vizio spyware attorney.
Contact Us For More Information
For more information, contact Attorney Group for more information. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
We can answer your questions and help you determine your options. If you have a case, we can connect you with an affiliated Vizio spyware attorney who can assist you in seeking the compensation to which you may be entitled. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.
