Introduction
Barings Law [1] [2] [3] [4], a prominent law firm based in Manchester, is leading a class action lawsuit against tech giants Google and Microsoft. The lawsuit [2] [3] [4], representing approximately 15,000 claimants [2] [3], accuses these companies of unauthorized use of personal data to train artificial intelligence models, highlighting significant concerns over data privacy and user consent.
Description
Manchester-based law firm Barings Law is spearheading a class action lawsuit against Google and Microsoft [2], representing around 15,000 claimants who have come forward since November 2024. The firm alleges that both companies have misused personal data to train their artificial intelligence models without obtaining proper user consent or authorization [2]. Following a comprehensive two-year investigation, Barings Law claims to have uncovered evidence of unauthorized data collection, which includes sensitive information such as users’ voices, demographics [2] [4], app usage time [4], email addresses [2] [4], and email content [3] [4].
The lawsuit emphasizes that while users may be aware of data collection practices [4], they often do not fully understand how their data is utilized in training large language models (LLMs). Barings Law has extended an invitation to anyone with a Microsoft or Google account, or who has utilized services such as YouTube, Gmail [1] [2] [3] [4], Google Docs [1] [4], Google Maps [1] [3] [4], LinkedIn [1] [4], OneDrive [1] [4], Outlook [1] [4], Microsoft 365 [1] [2] [4], and Xbox [4], to join the lawsuit [2] [3]. This initiative underscores the right of individuals to comprehend how their data is being used and to opt out of its use for AI training. Adnan Malik [1] [4], the Head of Data Protection at Barings Law [4], expressed satisfaction with the number of sign-ups [4], reflecting a growing public demand for accountability regarding data privacy issues and the firm’s commitment to addressing the misuse of personal data by major tech corporations [4]. This legal action comes at a time when Microsoft has announced plans to invest $80 billion in developing data centers for artificial intelligence. Barings Law is recognized for its track record in data breach cases, including incidents like the South Staffs Water hack in 2022 and the cyberattack on Capita in 2023.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Google and Microsoft underscores the increasing scrutiny on how major tech companies handle personal data, particularly in the context of AI development. This legal action could set a precedent for future cases concerning data privacy and user consent, potentially leading to stricter regulations and more transparent data practices. As public awareness and demand for accountability grow, companies may need to adopt more robust data protection measures to mitigate legal risks and maintain user trust.
References
[1] https://www.notiulti.com/un-bufete-de-abogados-lidera-a-15-000-personas-para-demandar-a-google-y-microsoft-por-datos-de-ia/
[2] https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366618055/Barings-Law-enleagues-15000-claimants-against-Google-and-Microsoft
[3] https://www.newsminimalist.com/articles/law-firm-represents-15000-claimants-in-lawsuit-against-google-and-microsoft-over-ai-data-misuse-0d47161b
[4] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/law-firm-sue-google-microsoft-ai/