AutoNation Wins Bid to Dismiss Customer Call AI Wiretap Lawsuit

AutoNation Inc. persuaded a federal court to dismiss a wiretapping class suit challenging the use of AI firm Invoca’s conversation intelligence platform because it lacked jurisdiction.

Plaintiff Mike Xavier didn’t sufficiently demonstrate that AutoNation expressly aimed its conduct at California, and therefore failed to establish that the US District Court for the Central District of California had specific personal jurisdiction over the auto retailer, Judge André Birotte Jr. said.

Xavier alleged that AutoNation permitted Invoca to actively eavesdrop on customer calls without permission across its California dealership network in order to analyze and enhance consumer communications. Xavier said he believed ...