Between online games, virtual chats and social media platforms, personal data is being given and shared on a minute-by-minute basis. With technology changing so rapidly, protecting personal information is more important than ever before. For this reason, the California Legislature enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), a state statue designed to enhance privacy rights and consumer protection. This new law went into effect January 1, 2020, and requires consumers to be informed about the information collected on them and must allow for the consumer to opt out. 

 The Swigart Law Group has filed a class action lawsuit against Epic Games, Inc., which owns the virtual hangout app Houseparty. The complaint states that their client did not receive disclosures or the opportunity to opt out and not have her personal information shared. Her information may have been shared with the social media platform Facebook and other third parties; however, the violations were Houseparty’s failure to disclose and receive user consent that their personal information was being collected, used, shared, or sold. As such, Houseparty (Epic Games) is out of compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act.

Like millions of other consumers, they want transparency and the opportunity to have a say in which companies have access to their personal information, how it is collected and ultimately how it will be shared. Our client hopes that through this action, Epic Games will take consumer privacy seriously.

Tips for Consumers

Individuals have a right to be informed as to what information is being collected and what will be done with it. Make sure to do the following in order to protect your personal information from being sold and given to other entities:

1. Do not rush through the disclosures or privacy policies of apps you download
2. Consumers have the right to request what personal information companies are gathering and what will be done with it; ask for that information if it’s not given
3. Consumers must be given notice and they have the right to opt out of these practices

Consumers and users of apps and games must remember that their personal information is valuable to companies. The CCPA was enacted to protect consumers’ privacy rights. If you feel you’ve been the victim of Houseparty/Epic Games, contact Swigart Law Group.

Swigart Law Group helps people who have been injured by banks, employers, drug and medical companies, or large corporations, and creates a meaningful and profound impact on the lives of people in the community. Our attorneys are experienced in the areas of consumer protection, privacy and data breaches. Unlike large law corporations, we hand-pick every case we take and we give each of our clients undivided personal attention.