Amazon faces a new federal lawsuit in San Francisco alleging the company collects and sells consumer location data through third-party mobile applications without user consent, using its Amazon Ads Software Development Kit SDK. According to the complaint, the collected data includes timestamped geolocation information that reveals where consumers live, work, and visit, potentially exposing sensitive details about religious affiliation, sexual orientation, and medical conditions.
The lawsuit contends that consumers are unaware that their sensitive data is being collected by a third party when they interact with apps containing the SDK. The case follows a broader industry pattern of scrutiny over SDK-based data collection, with similar allegations recently made against Allstate and its subsidiary Arity. The case emerges amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of location data collection practices. Recent incidents, including a major data breach at location data broker Gravy Analytics , have heightened concerns about the collection and security of consumer location data.
The U. Federal Trade Commission has previously taken action against data brokers and analytics firms regarding geolocation data usage for advertising purposes. The lawsuit comes as Amazon has been working to expand its advertising technology presence across various platforms, while simultaneously facing increased pressure for greater transparency in its data collection practices. Amazon has not yet issued a response to the allegations.
The legal challenge highlights growing tensions between consumer privacy expectations and the widespread use of location data in mobile advertising. It also underscores the complex relationship between app developers, SDK providers, and the end users whose data is being collected, often without their full understanding or explicit consent. Follow Us.
