Gmail User Files Class Action Against Google; Alleges Invasion of Privacy, Other Claims

HOUSTON—Google Inc. invaded the privacy of its users by intentionally scanning and capturing the contents of every e-mail sent and received through Gmail to specifically tailor advertisements and attract advertisers to individual users, a Texas woman claimed in a lawsuit seeking class action status filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas March 8 (Michaels v. Google Inc.).

The plaintiff, Kelly Michaels, alleged that Google creates, operates, and maintains proprietary technology and algorithms for the purpose of intercepting, collecting, scanning, and analyzing every e-mail of Gmail users for the purpose of “monetizing” Gmail users’ ...