Does this class action lawsuit qualify as a teledildonics backlash?
The makers of the We-Vibe, a line of vibrators that can be paired with an app for remote-controlled use, have reached a $3.75 million class action settlement with users following allegations that the company was collecting data on when and how the sex toy was used. Standard Innovations, the Canadian manufacturer of the We-Vibe, does not admit any wrongdoing in the settlement finalized Monday.
The We-Vibe product line includes a number of Bluetooth-enabled vibrators that, when linked to the "We-Connect" app, can be controlled from a smartphone. It allows a user to vary rhythms, patterns and settings — or give a partner, in the room or anywhere in the world, control of the device. (You can see a video promoting the app's features here; be advised, it is briefly not safe for work.)
[...] The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Illinois in September. It alleges that — without customers' knowledge — the app was designed to collect information about how often, and with what settings, the vibrator was used.
(Score: 2) by bob_super on Thursday March 16 2017, @01:04AM (2 children)
Rule n+1: Your activity is being recorded.
(Soylentnews might be one of the last exceptions pretty soon).
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday March 16 2017, @02:53AM (1 child)
Think again. SN uses a TLS certificate from Gandi for HTTPS. Gandi has established a US corporation. The criminals occupying the US government still send out National Security Letters, and as such, either already have or can have Gandi-signed certificates to invisibly conduct man-in-the-middle attacks against you without your knowledge (unless you also happen to be taking some very esoteric steps whose raised flags you will likely dismiss as routine anyhow).
Building a "new Internet" seems pretty much the only solution - there are some interesting reads on this at places like youbroketheinternet.org [youbroketheinternet.org].
(Score: 2) by bob_super on Thursday March 16 2017, @04:06PM
Being recorded by your ISP and the TLAs is a given.
I was merely pointing out that pretty much any server sending you any data will keep those precious logs for monetization.