Amazon accused of secretly tracking shoppers — and selling sensitive data collected through backdoor

Core Viewpoint - Amazon is facing a proposed class action lawsuit for allegedly tracking consumers' movements through their cellphones without consent and selling the collected data [1][4]. Group 1: Allegations Against Amazon - The lawsuit claims that Amazon gained "backdoor access" to consumers' phones by providing app developers with the Amazon Ads SDK, which allowed extensive data collection [1][3]. - It is alleged that Amazon collected significant amounts of timestamped geolocation data, revealing sensitive personal information such as religious affiliations, sexual orientations, and health concerns [2][3]. - The complaint states that Amazon has effectively "fingerprinted" consumers and correlated vast amounts of personal information without their knowledge or consent [3]. Group 2: Legal Context and Implications - The lawsuit was filed by Felix Kolotinsky in San Mateo, California, who claims his personal information was collected through the "Speedtest by Ookla" app [3][4]. - The complaint alleges violations of California's penal law and unauthorized computer access laws, seeking unspecified damages for millions of Californians [4]. - This case is part of a broader trend where individuals and regulators are increasingly concerned about companies profiting from data collected without consent [5].