A major civil liberties group in Ireland has launched legal action against Microsoft, accusing the tech giant of misusing personal data. It’s a move that could have serious implications for how companies handle our data – not just in Ireland, but here in the UK too.
What’s going on with the Microsoft GDPR lawsuit?
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) is taking Microsoft to court over what it says are breaches of GDPR – the rules designed to protect your personal information. They say Microsoft’s collecting and sharing of people’s personal data through something called “real-time bidding” is a breach of GDPR.
Real-time bidding is the process that happens when you browse the internet and see ads pop up. Behind the scenes, your data is shared with advertisers in split seconds to help them decide which ads to show you.
The ICCL believes Microsoft is sharing more personal information than it should, and possibly without proper consent. It wants the court to stop Microsoft from processing certain types of personal data in its ad system. They’re also trying to raise awareness about how much of our information is being shared, often without us really knowing about it.
The ICCL has been granted permission to bring what’s known as a “representative action”. That means they can take the case on behalf of a large group of people, rather than each person having to take Microsoft to court individually. If the case succeeds, Irish consumers may be due a payout.
Why should UK consumers care about the Microsoft legal action?
Even though the case is happening in Ireland, the outcome could set a precedent for how companies like Microsoft handle data across all of Europe. If the court finds that Microsoft has been breaking the rules, it could lead to changes in how online ads are delivered, and better protections for your personal data. It might also open the door for similar legal action here in the UK.
What can you do?
At Join the Claim, we’re keeping a close eye on this case – and others like it – to make sure UK consumers stay informed and empowered.
Register your interest, and if a claim opens in the UK and you’re affected, we’ll help you check if you’re eligible and connect you with a trusted law firm.
