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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 looorg on Thursday March 16 2017, @02:14AM (1 child)
This whole thing seems a bit iffy to me, but then I gather I'm not the target audience or buyer. It also seems somewhat limited - you can turn it on and off and you can adjust vibration speed and mode, someone else has to do the actual moving since it can't do that on its own. So what they are logging from the app is time on, time off and setting (which I gather is speed or mode - I guess it comes with various vibration modes or pulsing). One does wonder why they need to tie that to an email or phone tho. Are they trying to sell lube and battery to them? Or do they need to know when to send the replacement device or book a doctors appointment for the user due to potential carpal tunnel syndrome?
If they wanted to be really intrusive I guess they would or could have added other things to it like being able to measure moisture, temperature and contractions. At least then they could find out if it actually works. Then they would really be in business.
Question: If you hack a phone that has this app and use that app while someone is using the device is that rape?
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Spamalope on Thursday March 16 2017, @04:34AM
If it's tied to a notable person's phone they they've got saleable information, possibly blackmail material. (selling time/location info to paparazzi, or a politician's info to an intel org) There is lots of room for abuse here.