19 August 2024. Tycko & Zavareei LLP proudly announces that Judge Thomas Thrash has appointed Sabita J. Soneji to lead the Lexis/Verisk track in the ongoing Consumer Vehicle Driving Data Tracking Collection Multi-District Litigation (MDL), recognizing Ms. Soneji’s extensive experience in successfully managing privacy and data breach MDLs.
The case centers around allegations against General Motors (GM) and its subsidiary OnStar for the unauthorized collection and sale of consumers’ driving telematics data. Plaintiffs argue that GM and OnStar collected detailed telematics data—including acceleration events, hard brake events, high speed events, distance traveled, and vehicle identification numbers (VINs)—without customers’ knowledge or consent. This data was then sold to Lexis and Verisk, who unlawfully shared that private driving data with insurance companies, enabling auto insurance companies to compile reports and set rates and premiums. Plaintiffs allege the disclosures in GM and OnStar’s agreements inadequately informed customers about these practices, leading to claims against the defendants for common law invasion of privacy, constitutional invasion of privacy under California law, and deceptive and unfair practices under the California Unfair Competition Law and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act.
Ms. Soneji, as Chair of Tycko & Zavareei’s Privacy and Data Breach Practice Group, brings a wealth of experience representing consumers in cases where their data has been compromised or exposed. Her appointment as Co-Lead Counsel for the LNRS/Verisk litigation track underscores her dedication to advocating for consumers’ rights in the digital age.
The case is In re: Consumer Vehicle Driving Data Tracking Collection, Case No. 1:24-MD-3115-TWT in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.