Stichting Data Bescherming Nederland (SDBN), a Dutch non-profit foundation established to protect universal privacy rights, announced on Wednesday that it has filed a lawsuit against Adobe.
Known for its PDF and graphics software, Adobe is facing allegations of covertly gathering significant volumes of personal data from prominent Dutch websites such as KPN, ABP, the Dutch Tax Authority, and mobile applications like Marktplaats and Buienradar.
This collected data is then shared with multiple third parties.
SDBN, acting on behalf of millions of Dutch citizens, demands Adobe to cease its unlawful data gathering through tracking cookies and apps.
After failed negotiations to reach a consensual resolution with Adobe, SDBN has taken legal action to stop Adobe’s systematic infringement of Dutch citizens’ data rights.
Individuals in the Netherlands who frequently use the Internet via the Chrome browser and regularly download apps may have fallen victim to Adobe’s tracking, says SDBN.
These individuals can register for the lawsuit for free at jestaattekoop.nl.
Anouk Ruhaak, the Chair of SDBN, says, “While Adobe is primarily recognized as a design software supplier, what’s surprising is its simultaneous involvement in the digital personal data market – tracking your online activities. Have you made online Christmas purchases? Well, Adobe likely has a detailed record of what you browsed and where you bought your Christmas stockings or perfume.”
The unlawful collection and trading of personal data, as alleged by SDBN, violate GDPR and must be halted.
Following actions against other major players like X (previously Twitter) and Amazon, SDBN is determined to compel Adobe to cease its illicit data collection and tracking through legal action via a class action suit.
After Twitter / X and Amazon, this is the third class action brought by SDBN to force big tech companies to better safeguard the online privacy of Dutch citizens.
Illegally collects data via cookies and app software
Adobe’s Experience Cloud platform, designed for creating user profiles, is accused of encouraging customers to collect extensive data from internet users.
Adobe itself is said to collect a vast amount of data on Dutch internet users through websites and apps, sharing this information with numerous companies.
Adobe’s methods include the use of tracking cookies on popular websites and the insertion of code through Software Development Kits (SDKs) into mobile applications.
This extensive data collection lacks valid consent, as users are often not adequately informed about the extent of data processing.
Legal action aims to stop Adobe’s unlawful placement of tracking cookies and SDKs, seeking damages on behalf of approximately seven million Dutch internet users.
SDBN’s initiative calls on individuals who, since May 25, 2018, have had Adobe tracking cookies on their browsers or have downloaded and used apps containing Adobe SDKs to register for free at stichtingdatabescherming.nl or adobe.jestaattekoop.nl/.
Examples of websites where Adobe tracks you include:
- Abp.nl
- Albelli.nl
- Belastingdienst.nl
- Beterhoren.nl
- Bruna.nl
- Douglas.nl
- Expedia.nl
- Footlocker.nl
- Gamma.nl
- Hallmark.com
- Karwei.nl
- ketnet.be
- Kijk.nl
- Kpn.com
- Kwf.nl
- Tui.nl
- Unibet.nl
- Unive.nl
- Wsj.com
Examples of mobile apps (iOS and Android) that contain Adobe tracking software include:
- Marktplaats
- Ziggo GO
- RTL XL
- MijnKPN
- Buienradar
- Essent Verbruiksmanager
- TomTom Go Navigation
- Asos
- PlayStation
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