Lawsuit Claims Microsoft Intentionally Designed Phones to Track Customers

Accuses company of lying to Congress about how customers are tracked

A lawsuit filed in Seattle federal court Wednesday alleges Microsoft intentionally designed its Windows Phone 7 to track customers without their consent, Reuters's Dan Levine reports. The lawsuit claims Microsoft lied to Congress in a letter sent during hearings over how technology companies are using location data. Congress was following up on revelations that Apple's iPhones tracked customers' whereabouts even when the location software was turned off; Microsoft assured lawmakers it only tracks customers with their express consent.

Levine explains:

The litigation, brought on behalf of a Windows Phone 7 user, claims Microsoft transmits data -- including approximate latitude and longitude coordinates of the user's device -- while the camera application is activated. It seeks an injunction and punitive damages, among other remedies.