Reuters.com Collects Users’ IP Addresses Without Consent, Class Action Claims

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A proposed class action alleges Reuters News & Media Inc. has incorporated trackers onto its website to collect visitors’ IP addresses without consent.

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The 26-page case says the trackers—which have been installed on Reuters.com since at least 2020—are provided by third-party software companies Sharethrough, Omnitag and TripleLift to capture users’ IP addresses. According to the privacy lawsuit, these unique identifiers allow Reuters to determine the geographical location of its visitors’ devices.

The defendant then uses this data to deliver targeted advertisements to specific users or groups of users, the filing claims. The complaint says that this marketing technique, called “IP targeting,” helps Reuters monetize its website and maximize revenue.

The suit argues that the third-party trackers are considered “pen registers,” which are devices or processes that record outgoing information.

“For example, if a user sends an email, a ‘pen register’ might record the email address it was sent from, the email address the email was sent to, and the subject line—because this is the user’s outgoing information,” the case explains.

However, California’s Invasion of Privacy Act prohibits the use of a pen register without prior consent and a court order, the lawsuit relays.

“At no time prior to the installation and use of the trackers on [the plaintiff’s] and class members’ browsers, or prior to the use of the trackers, did [Reuters] procure [the plaintiff’s] and class members’ consent for such conduct,” the suit contends. “Nor did [the defendant] obtain a court order to install or use the trackers.”

The lawsuit looks to represent any California residents who accessed Reuters.com within the state and had their IP addresses collected by the trackers mentioned on this page.

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