FanDuel, a popular sports betting operator, is currently facing a class action lawsuit in California for allegedly allowing TikTok to collect and track information about visitors to its platform. The lawsuit claims that FanDuel installed software created by TikTok on its website, using a “fingerprinting” technique to collect data about visitors who may have wanted to remain anonymous. This data was then matched with information that TikTok already had about American users.
The complaint alleges that every time a person visits the sportsbook or clicks on a page, FanDuel’s website automatically sends data to TikTok, even before the individual has the opportunity to express their preferences on a cookie consent banner. The lawsuit argues that this practice violates California’s Trap and Trace Law, which prohibits platforms from collecting data to determine the source of communications without the user’s consent or a court order.
According to a report by Next.io, individuals visiting the FanDuel website were allegedly not informed that the platform was collaborating with the Chinese government to obtain their phone numbers and other identifying information. The plaintiff in the case is seeking to gather a class of individuals in California who visited the FanDuel website during the relevant period, with the goal of putting an end to the tracking of data in this manner and seeking statutory damages.
The lawsuit highlights the growing concerns around data privacy and the ways in which companies collect and use personal information. As more and more businesses rely on data-driven strategies to target consumers and improve their services, the issue of consent and transparency in data collection practices has become increasingly important.
The case against FanDuel serves as a reminder of the need for companies to be transparent about how they collect and use data, and to ensure that they are following relevant laws and regulations. As technology continues to evolve and data becomes an increasingly valuable commodity, it is essential for businesses to prioritize data privacy and security to maintain the trust of their customers.
In conclusion, the class action lawsuit against FanDuel for allegedly allowing TikTok to collect and track information about visitors to its platform highlights the importance of data privacy and transparency in the digital age. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how companies navigate the complex landscape of data privacy laws and regulations to protect the rights of consumers.