SDK Privacy Violations

Software development kits (SDKs) embedded deep within the application code of your mobile device could be sharing your personal data. These third-party SDK tracking tools harvest your data and potentially violate your consumer privacy rights, and most people don't even know they exist. Contact our data privacy lawyers to learn more about your legal options.

What Are SDKs? Understanding Mobile App Privacy Violations

Software Development Kits are pre-packaged code libraries that app developers integrate into their applications to add functionality. SDKs do serve legitimate purposes like enabling analytics, but they can also be manipulated for mobile app data collection that operates beyond user control.

When you download an app, for example, and agree to its privacy policy, you could be unknowingly consenting to data sharing with dozens of third-party SDK providers that have access to your location history and real-time movements. Almost any input on your device will give them more, like contact lists and your biometric data including fingerprints or facial recognition

This data can be aggregated and sold to data brokers or advertisers, and you may never never know it.

How SDKs Violate Data Protection Laws

Your consumer privacy rights are protected by both federal and state laws, yet SDK data collection practices routinely circumvent these protections. Consumers have a fundamental right to know what information is collected and to have opt-out mechanisms at their disposal.

SDK providers and app developers violate privacy rights if they deliberately bury disclosures about third-party data sharing in dense legal language or fail to obtain proper informed consent before SDKs begin collecting data.

Legal Framework Protecting Consumers from SDK Privacy Violations

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and CPRA

California established the nation's strongest privacy protections through the CCPA and CPRA, granting California residents explicit rights to know what personal information businesses collect and how to delete that information. The law gives consumers the option of opting out of a data collection scheme. Apps that embed SDKs without providing clear notice and easy opt-out mechanisms are in direct violation.

Violations can result in statutory damages up to $7,500 per intentional violation.

SDK Privacy Violation Settlements

Google Location Tracking Settlement ($391.5 Million)

In 2022, Google paid $391.5 million to settle claims from 40 states that the company misled users about location tracking through Android apps and embedded SDKs. Google continued collecting location data even when users disabled location tracking.

Facebook SDK Data Sharing ($90 Million)

Facebook's SDK collected user data from thousands of third-party apps and sent it back to Facebook, even when users weren't actively using Facebook. The lawsuit alleged violations of the Video Privacy Protection Act. Facebook agreed to a $90 million settlement in 2021.

TikTok Biometric Data Settlement ($92 Million)

TikTok settled for $92 million over allegations that SDKs collected biometric information, including facial recognition data, without proper consent in violation of Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act.

Why Choose The Lyon Firm?

The Lyon Firm has the experience to take on important digital privacy violation cases. Our attorneys possess a wealth of knowledge in how SDKs operate and how to prove violations occurred. Because we have worked on several Meta Pixel cases and other cases involving complex tech, we understand both the law and the technology behind the violations, enabling us to build compelling cases.

We have successfully represented thousands of consumers in privacy litigation, and we have secured recoveries through settlements and verdicts. Call us now fora free and confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About SDK Privacy Violations

What is an SDK in a mobile app?

An SDK (Software Development Kit) is pre-built code that app developers embed to add features like advertising or analytics. SDKs can collect extensive personal data and share it with third parties without clear consent.

Can I sue an app for selling my data through SDKs?

If an app collects or shares your personal data through SDKs without proper consent or in violation of its privacy policy, you may have legal claims under laws like the CCPA.

What compensation can I receive for SDK privacy violations?

Under the CCPA, you may receive $100-$750 per incident for data breaches, or up to $7,500 per intentional violation.

How long do I have to file an SDK privacy lawsuit?

Statutes of limitations vary by state and claim type but you usually have from 1-4 years from when you discovered the violation.

Do I need proof that my data was misused to file a claim?

Many privacy laws recognize that unauthorized collection or sharing of personal data itself is a violation, regardless of whether you can prove specific harm.

If you've used mobile applications that embedded invasive third-party SDKs, you may have legal claims even if you haven't suffered obvious harm. Privacy violations themselves are actionable. Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation to learn whether you have a claim.