UK Safari users launch legal attack on Google
By Stewart Mitchell
Posted on 28 Jan 2013 at 10:08
Google is facing legal action in the UK over claims it collected data using cookies that circumvented privacy Safari settings.
The UK case, brought by campaign group Safari Users Against Google's Secret Tracking, has ten signatories. Lawyers acting for the concerned parties are urging more people to come forward.
In August last year, Google paid $22.5 million to settle a case in the US, where it was accused of breaching privacy after bypassing Safari's secure browser settings - and UK users want the company to pay here, too.
"Through its DoubleClick adverts, Google designed a code to circumvent privacy settings in order to deposit the cookies on computers in order to provide user-targeted advertising," said law firm Olswang, which is representing the group.
Google designed a code to circumvent privacy settings in order to deposit the cookies on computers in order to provide user-targeted advertising
"The claimants thought that cookies were being blocked on their devices because of Safari's strict default privacy settings and separate assurances being given by Google at the time," the firm said. "This was not the case."
Not surprisingly, the law firm is seeking recompense for the damage to Google's victims, calling for the company to "give Safari users a proper explanation about what happened, to apologise and, where appropriate, compensate the victims of their intrusion".
The user group has set up a Facebook page that has already gained 130 "Likes", but the majority of the comments suggest users believe this to be a storm in a teacup.
"I use Safari, and I'm trying to muster up the energy to give a **** about this, but I really don't," posted one user.
Google has yet to respond to questions on whether it plans to fight the case.
Apathy rules OK!
The response:
"I use Safari, and I'm trying to muster up the energy to give a **** about this, but I really don't,"
simply epitomises why Google, Starbucks, Crapple et al cannot lose.
In the greater scheme of things (imminent famine, numerous wars & conflicts, economic gloom 'n doom etc.) Google's underhand, dishonest & frankly 'evil' behaviour is relatively trivial.
But of course its only the thin end of a very nasty wedge. These Multinationals and their owners\managers believe themselves to be above the Law, and act accordingly, this is just the start.....
By wittgenfrog on 28 Jan 2013 
Action Needed Against Apple
I wish someone would launch legal action against Apple for the following crimes:
1. They replace a perfectly functional maps application with their own application which everyone agrees is rubbish and dangerous. There is no way to remove this application.
2. There is no way to remove the default Safari browser and use an alternative.
3. They restrict the retailers ability to cut prices on Apple products.
4. ITunes is also one of the worst programs on Windows.
The list could go on.
By Cliffg on 28 Jan 2013
Crazy talk
You can't take a company to court over writing bad code Cliffg. How would Microsoft have lasted this long if that was the case?
By TimoGunt on 28 Jan 2013
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