YouTube Accused of Spying: Man Slaps Legal Action!
YouTube began testing a method to combat ad blockers in June. This test has now evolved into a worldwide enforcement, resulting in the blocking of users who employ ad-blockers on the video streaming platform. As a result, individuals using adblockers were confronted with a notification stating, “It appears that you might be utilizing an ad blocker.” Although the intention behind this action was to discourage adblocker usage and promote the adoption of YouTube Premium, the platform may encounter consequences due to a complaint filed against it, alleging unlawful surveillance.
What happened
According to a report by The Register, privacy consultant Alexander Hanff has filed a civil complaint against YouTube with the Irish Data Protection Commission. It included a web polling process that YouTube uses to run scripts that detect the presence of ad blockers on devices. After this, users must first remove ad blockers and perform one of two actions – watch ads or subscribe to YouTube Premium.
Hanff is also filing a criminal complaint against YouTube for alleged illegal surveillance. In a conversation with The Register, Hanff said: “I consider the YouTube script to be spyware – that is, surveillance technology, because it is being used without my knowledge or consent on my device for the sole purpose of intercepting and monitoring my behavior (whether or not there are ads loading in my browser or blocked by an ad blocker).” .
But why does YouTube block ad blockers? According to Christopher Lawton, YouTube’s head of communications, using ad blockers on the video sharing platform violates its terms of service.
Meta also meets action
According to the report, the data protection consultant has also filed a complaint against Meta Platforms for its alleged collection of data without user consent, in violation of sections 2 and 5 of the Irish Criminal Justice (Criminal Offenses) Act 2017.
“From Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd for a period of at least five years from 25 May 2018 to introduce unlawfully deployed surveillance technology onto my computers to monitor my behaviour, as they had no reasonable excuse or legal right to do so.” , Hanff added.
Meta also meets action
According to the report, the data protection consultant has also filed a complaint against Meta Platforms for its alleged collection of data without user consent, in violation of sections 2 and 5 of the Irish Criminal Justice (Criminal Offenses) Act 2017.
“From Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd for a period of at least five years from 25 May 2018 to introduce unlawfully deployed surveillance technology onto my computers to monitor my behaviour, as they had no reasonable excuse or legal right to do so.” , Hanff added.
