'Smart' Vibrator Maker Sued Over Data Privacy Concerns
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- A lawsuit against the company that makes a bluetooth enabled vibrator has sent ripples through the sex toy industry.
Makers of the 'connected' devices are no longer collecting data on when and where their products are used.
Nina Joyner, owner of Feelmore Adult Gallery in downtown Oakland said the subject of the lawsuit is the We-Vibe vibrator that connects to an app, letting partners connect when they're far apart.
"So now, your partner can take on that responsibility of pleasuring you from wherever they are around the world," Joyner said.
The company was peeking - at least at the information on the app.
"Just as any other company out there, they want to capture the data," Joyner said.
But, the woman suing the company says she had no idea that was happening. We-Vibe will now allow users to opt-out more easily - and other companies are learning from this suit - and not collecting data at least right now.
Joyner says the data is very useful to companies in creating better products, but obviously shouldn't come from people who don't want to share. And she says you may be alone in the bedroom, but that could just be an illusion.
"Anything that passes through the internet is actually traceable," Joyner said.
