Bose sued for spying on users and illegally collecting data via wireless headphones
One customer is taking on the audio giant
Boston-based audio company Bose is being sued for allegedly spying on it’s users via wireless headphones, as well as illegally collecting and selling the data to third-party companies.
The lawsuit issued by Bose customer Kyle Zak claims the company’s Bose Connect app collects and stores user data unlawfully, without user permission, violating the WireTap Act and a number of privacy laws, according to Fortune.
Zak’s lawyer Christopher Dore told the BBC why this issue needs to be addressed: "People put headphones on their head because they think it's private, but they can be giving out information they don't want to share".
The complaint outlines how the information collected is sensitive to the users and can be valuable to third-party companies: "Indeed, one’s personal audio selections – including music, radio broadcast, Podcast, and lecture choices – provide an incredible amount of insight into his or her personality, behavior, political views, and personal identity”.
Other Bose products listed in the lawsuit, along with the app, include QuietComfort 35, QuietControl 30, SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II, SoundLink Color II, SoundSport Wireless and SoundSport Pulse Wireless.
Zak is seeking damages of $5 million, although the damages have not been detailed, and demands that Bose halt its collection of data.
The company has responded to the allegations with a statement you can read below.
Harrison is Mixmag's East Coast Editor. Follow him on Twitter here
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