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Federal Lawsuit Raises Questions Regarding Invasive Uses of Technology
A couple has sued Aaron’s Inc. (“Aaron’s”), a company with more than 1,800 franchised stores in the United States and Canada that sells and leases residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories. The couple alleges that Aaron’s loaded computers with spyware to track renters’ keystrokes, make screenshots and take webcam images of them using the products. The couple became aware of the spyware when Aaron’s store manager came to their home to repossess the rented computer because he mistakenly believed the couple had not honoured their rent-to-own agreement. The manager showed the couple a picture (allegedly in possession of Aaron’s) of them using the computer. The police have determined that the photo was taken with spyware software. The couple is seeking to classify their suit as a class action.
Aaron’s claims that the lawsuit is meritless. It states that it respects its customers’ privacy and did not install the software described in the lawsuit.
Privacy experts have commented that companies have the right to include software with computers which it can use to shut off the devices remotely if customers stop paying their bills – but must inform customers that they are being monitored. At present it is not certain whether the allegations fall under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and/or the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
For additional information, visit:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/tech-news/suit-against-pc-renter-raises-privacy-questions/article2009348/