Kammergericht Berlin Class Action: Is Tik Tok in Trouble?
TikTok faces potential compensation for consumers' damages due to the legal dispute brought forward by the association. - TikTok to award users monetary compensation
Here's the gist: The Dutch consumer foundation, Somi, known as Stichting Onderzoek Marktinformatie (Somi) in the business world, has thrown a curveball at TikTok by filing a class action lawsuit at the Kammergericht Berlin. A court spokesperson has confirmed the lawsuit, inviting Germans to join thelegal battle online with minimal legal fuss. Remember, they previously took on Elon Musk's X platform in Berlin.
What's the beef? Somi alleges that TikTok, the cheeky creation of Chinese company Bytedance, has been illegally gobbling up and profiling personal data without consent. Plus, the platform has designed an algorithm that manipulates and creates dependence, particularly for the youth, which ain't cool.
TikTok hasn't responded yet, but stay tuned.
Want to be part of the action? Hop on the lawsuit registration at the Federal Office of Justice. If Somi wins, you'll get your fair cut without having to file another lawsuit.
Somi is demanding damages for TikTok users depending on age: under 16 gets a cool 2000 euros, 16-21 pays a fine of 1000 euros, and the over 21 crowd gets 500 euros.
While the Somi lawsuit isn't officially announced on the Federal Office of Justice's class action registry yet, it should be up soon. Once it's live, consumers and small businesses can file their claims. Head to www.bundesjustizamt.de/verbandsklagen for the form. The Federal Office recommends the electronic option for quick registration. Claims can be submitted within three weeks after the oral hearing's end.
Things to keep in mind: As of now, there's no solid evidence of an active class action by Somi at Kammergericht Berlin against TikTok for data collection or specific details on damages sought. For the latest status, consult official court records or official press releases from the foundations.
- EC countries, with their emphasis on the free movement of workers and the freedom to provide services, could see implications for tech companies like TikTok, currently under a class action lawsuit in Berlin, if allegations about the improper collection and use of personal data prove true.
- As technology continues to permeate our lives, general-news outlets must remain vigilant in reporting on digital platforms such as TikTok, whose data practices and treatment of user information are currently under scrutiny in a German court.
