Case Updates
BFA Scores Important Win for Facebook Users
BFA has scored an important victory for Facebook users and those interested in protecting the privacy of social media users. On September 9, District Judge Vince Chhabria of the Northern District of California largely denied Facebook’s motion to dismiss allegations that Facebook mishandled plaintiffs’ personal information when it granted third parties access to their content and data without plaintiffs' knowledge or consent.
The case arises from reporting in March 2018 that up to 87 million Facebook users had their information harvested by the data mining firm Cambridge Analytica. Plaintiffs allege that Facebook granted numerous third parties, including Cambridge Analytica, access to their Facebook content and information without their consent, and that Facebook failed to monitor the third parties' access to, and use of, that information.
In his order, Judge Chhabria denied in part Facebook's motion to dismiss plaintiffs' claims, finding Facebook’s argument that plaintiffs have no right to allege a breach of privacy based upon Facebook’s sharing of their information with third parties "could not be more wrong." The order preserves the majority of plaintiffs' claims.
Lesley Weaver of BFA, co-lead counsel with Derek Loeser of Keller Rohrback LLP, issued a joint statement: "We are pleased that the district court allowed this important litigation to proceed. We are especially gratified that the court is respecting Facebook users' right to privacy. We look forward to the discovery process that will prove our clients If you are interested in learning more about the case, please contact us at bfafacebook@bfalaw.com."
You may also view news coverage of Judge Chhabria’s opinion by clicking here.
The case arises from reporting in March 2018 that up to 87 million Facebook users had their information harvested by the data mining firm Cambridge Analytica. Plaintiffs allege that Facebook granted numerous third parties, including Cambridge Analytica, access to their Facebook content and information without their consent, and that Facebook failed to monitor the third parties' access to, and use of, that information.
In his order, Judge Chhabria denied in part Facebook's motion to dismiss plaintiffs' claims, finding Facebook’s argument that plaintiffs have no right to allege a breach of privacy based upon Facebook’s sharing of their information with third parties "could not be more wrong." The order preserves the majority of plaintiffs' claims.
Lesley Weaver of BFA, co-lead counsel with Derek Loeser of Keller Rohrback LLP, issued a joint statement: "We are pleased that the district court allowed this important litigation to proceed. We are especially gratified that the court is respecting Facebook users' right to privacy. We look forward to the discovery process that will prove our clients If you are interested in learning more about the case, please contact us at bfafacebook@bfalaw.com."
You may also view news coverage of Judge Chhabria’s opinion by clicking here.