Barings Law enleagues 15,000 claimants against Google and Microsoft

A Manchester-based law firm has gathered approximately 15,000 claimants for an upcoming data breach lawsuit against Microsoft and Google.

The firm initiated the process of signing up clients in November 2024 for a class action against the US tech giants, alleging that they are unlawfully collecting and utilizing individuals’ data to train their artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Having previously litigated on various data breach cases, such as the Capita cyber attack and the leaking of medical records in the South Staffs Water hack, the firm managed to recruit over 10,000 sign-ups in less than a month.

Following a two-year investigation, the firm uncovered evidence that substantial amounts of non-consented data collected by Microsoft and Google are being utilized in training and developing large language AI models.

“We are pleased to have amassed such a large number of sign-ups for this groundbreaking case,” said Adnan Malik, head of data protection at Barings Law.

“The rapid response from 15,000 claimants underscores the increasing public demand for accountability amidst persistent data privacy concerns, and our dedicated team at Barings Law is determined to meet this demand.

“With our track record of addressing significant data breach cases, we are committed to challenging the widespread misuse of personal data by corporations, ensuring that privacy is not compromised in the name of technological progress.”

The firm alleges a range of data privacy violations, including the collection of users’ voice data, demographics, app usage duration, and personal information such as email addresses and email contents.

Malik stated that the number of claimants represents a significant advancement in the firm’s pursuit of the case. “While we still have a way to go, the rapid growth in numbers demonstrates people’s determination to advocate for increased accountability from major corporations and the protection of their personal data,” he added.

Barings asserts that the utilization of personal data for training Google’s and Microsoft’s AI models is being done without proper authorization or user consent, with users potentially unaware of the role their data plays in training AI large language models.

The firm continues to welcome individuals with Microsoft or Google accounts, as well as those who have used services from either company, to join the lawsuit. This includes users of platforms like YouTube, Gmail, Google Docs, Google Maps, LinkedIn, OneDrive, Outlook, Microsoft 365, and Xbox.

When announcing the recruitment of clients for the class action in November 2024, Malik emphasized: “Individuals have the right to know what data of theirs is being stored and how it is being used. They also have the right to opt out of their behaviors, voice, likeness, habits, and knowledge being utilized to train AI for the benefit of tech giants.”

Currently, many authors, artists, and others are filing lawsuits against generative AI companies for using personal data to train their models. IT companies facing scrutiny include Meta, Google, GitHub, Microsoft, OpenAI, Stability AI, Midjourney, DeviantArt, as well as AI song-generator startups Suno and Udio.