“Alexa – Don’t Record Me!” — Lawsuit Claims Amazon Violated Privacy Laws

TLo attorney Jon M. Philipson is interviewed by WTSP Reporter Katie McCall regarding privacy law and the recent Amazon lawsuit.

A federal lawsuit charges that “Alexa,” the virtual assistant smart home device created by Amazon.com violates privacy laws in eight states by making permanent recordings of children’s voices without their consent.  Florida is one state where a privacy law exists, concerning recording someone without permission.

Thomas & LoCicero lawyer Jon M. Philipson was recently interviewed by WTSP-10 News Anchor Katie McCall regarding the lawsuit and potential implications for plaintiffs.  The interview may be viewed on the WTSP 10 News Facebook page. 

Consumer organizations have also charged that Amazon is violating children’s privacy rights, in violation of federal law. The lawsuit takes another approach, citing state privacy laws.

“Amazon has strong commercial incentives to collect as many Alexa recordings as possible,” the suit states.  “From the outset, Amazon has been a company built on the relentless acquisition of consumer behavioral data.”

Jon M. Philipson is an attorney in the Tampa office of Thomas & LoCicero.  With extensive federal government and public policy sector experience, Mr. Philipson applies deep practical knowledge to his client’s federal and state court litigation needs.

With offices in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Thomas & LoCicero is a Florida law firm that is widely known and respected for its commitment to free speech and a free press.  The firm represents the industry’s leading electronic and traditional publishers, as well as individual journalists, bloggers and influencers of social media on issues ranging from news gathering to invasion of privacy, from defamation to pre-publication review.  At the heart of the firm’s mission is to champion free speech and defend journalism every day.