Smartphone-enabled sex toy sparks proposed class action

OTTAWA — In the ever-growing world of digital connectivity and the “Internet of Things,” how much sharing is too much?

An American woman alleges the Canadian manufacturer of a smartphone-enabled vibrator has crossed the line by selling products that secretly collect and transmit “highly sensitive” usage information over the web.

The Chicago-area woman, identified in a statement of claim only as N.P., has launched a proposed class-action lawsuit against Standard Innovation (US) Corp., which is owned by Ottawa-based Standard Innovation Corp.

The suit involves a vibrator called the We-Vibe. A version of the sex toy called the We-Vibe Rave, which was released two years ago, is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatible and can be controlled using a cellphone app called We-Connect, allowing users to control the toy’s intensity and vibration patterns. It also allows for partners to control the toy remotely, while other features built into the app allow for private text messages and video calls.

N.P. bought her vibrator in May for $170, downloaded the app that connects to it and used it on several occasions. Her lawsuit filed Sept. 2 claims Standard Innovation Corp. did not do enough to explain how the “sensitive information” being generated by We-Connect users was being used.

“Unbeknownst to its customers ... (Standard Innovation) designed We-Connect to collect and record highly intimate and sensitive data regarding consumers’ personal We-Vibe use, including the date and time of each use and the selected vibration settings, and transmit such usage data — along with the users’ personal email address — to its servers in Canada,” reads the court filing.

The filing seeks certification as a class-action complaint and asks the courts for a trial by jury. It alleges the company’s actions demonstrate a “wholesale disregard” for privacy rights and violated a number of U.S. laws.

Standard Innovation said in a statement it has not yet been notified of the lawsuit.

“We cannot comment on rumour or speculation. Should we receive additional information, we will review it thoroughly and comment at the appropriate time,” the company said.