Category: Technology
Thermal windows and the car emissions scandal
Many people will have seen the countless headlines surrounding the car emissions scandal, but it can be difficult to understand exactly what methods car manufacturers might have used to cheat emissions tests. It has been suggested that some carmakers have allegedly exploited so-called ‘thermal windows’ which could allow vehicles to still produce what could be deemed as excessive nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
If such accusations are proven to be true, it may be that many diesel vehicles have been producing significant volumes of harmful emissions. Regardless of the exact method used, any suspicions of emissions cheating should be addressed.
Following the High Court ruling that Volkswagen has been using defeat devices in certain diesel vehicles, we have started group actions against other suspected car manufacturers over similar allegations. Those who own or have previously owned affected vehicles may be entitled to recover thousands of pounds in compensation.
Birmingham City Council data breach
Following an error by council staff, the Birmingham City Council data breach has reportedly exposed the private details of residents, potentially including those of vulnerable children.
We understand that the breach arose as a result of the accidental publication of private information to a site that was freely accessible to members of the public.
Though the council has stated that the mistake was corrected quickly, it is nevertheless true that the victims’ data could have reached the hands of malicious people. Any situation in which personal data is exposed in this way should be treated seriously and, in many cases, it may be possible for those affected to claim compensation. It can also be possible to represent victims for a legal case on a No Win, No Fee basis.
SITA data breach affects hundreds of thousands of passengers worldwide
In late February, the SITA data breach was revealed as a powerful cyberattack, which comprised of a server holding information relating to hundreds of thousands of air passengers.
Labelled as “highly sophisticated” by the company, it is understood that the wide-reaching cyberattack has not affected “highly sensitive” data, but it nevertheless demonstrates that IT systems can be severely vulnerable as hackers continue to enhance and advance their methods.
In fact, it has long been apparent that travel companies are often vulnerable to cyberattacks. They hold a wealth of sensitive data about their customers, including passport details and payment card information. A such, airlines and hotel chains can be a prime target for hackers. British Airways, which is understood to be implicated in the SITA data breach, succumbed to two major data breaches in 2018, for which we are currently representing claimants in a group action.
Commissioner to champion people harmed by medicines or medical devices
In a huge win for anyone harmed by medicines or medical devices, the government has agreed to the appointment of an Independent Patients’ Commissioner. Their role will be to stand up for people who have fallen victim to the dangerous side-effects of certain medical products.
At The Group Action Lawyers, we have been raising the unheard voices of suffering patients for many years, taking on many clients in large group and multi-party actions against powerful medical companies and manufacturers. As such, we welcome the news of this new public service, which represents a significant step in the right direction for patients and overall safety.
Join the Virgin Media data breach class action
The Virgin Media data breach class action has been in progress for almost a year now as we continue to take on clients affected by the data breach that came to light in March last year.
Up to 900,000 victims, all of whom had their personal data exposed by failings in the company’s data protection policies, could be eligible to claim compensation.
If you were notified by Virgin Media of your involvement in the breach, head to the Virgin Media group action site to start your claim now. The negligence of Virgin Media should not go unpunished. At The Group Action Lawyers, we know all too well how the collective force of a group action can be powerful in holding companies to account.
Greater Manchester Police data breach could lead to Group Action
The recently revealed Greater Manchester Police data breach that may have affected thousands of victims of serious crime could lead to a Group Action Compensation Case.
The serious data leak, revealed in an exclusive story from ManchesterMill.Co.Uk, is based on information sourced from an anonymous whistleblower. According to the reports, a test database was accessible online without a password on the website for a third-party IT contractor.
It is unknown if the database was accessed, but the information involved in the incident is understood to have included the names and addresses for victims of serious crime. It is also understood to have included information for witnesses and informants.
Medical product compensation claims
We have a huge amount of experience when it comes to representing people for medical product compensation claims on a No Win, No Fee basis.
If you have been harmed and have suffered injury and loss as a result of a medical product, you could be entitled to bring a legal case for damages. These kinds of claims can be hard to succeed with, so it is important that you get the right legal representatives, and experience is key.
It is often the case that you have a fight on your hands when you are taking on huge multinational corporations that manufacture medical devices. We can be your voice for justice to make sure that you receive some form of justice for what you have had to go through.
The Gatwick drone incident raises legal questions
The Gatwick drone incident that has brought one of the UK’s biggest airports to a complete standstill this week raises big legal questions.
We’ve written before about the use of smart technology and how it can be dangerous. Although the Gatwick drones appear to be high-tech and are being used as part of what appears to be a deliberate ploy, everyday drones can be dangerous. It’s those drones that can be easily bought online or on the high street that raise the legal questions as well.
If something happens, where’s the liability? Where’s the insurance? What do we need to do to ensure people are protected?
Stagecoach self-drive buses to be tested
Stagecoach self-drive buses are to be tested in depots, marking a potential shift toward self-driving technology on UK roads.
Currently, self-drive vehicles are not yet fully legal for road-use, but the government plans to have them on pubic roads as soon as possible. We have the likes of Tesla testing their self-drive technology right now, despite there being a number of accidents (and fatalities) so far that are linked to self-drive technology.
We remain incredibly concerned about these hastening developments.
Apple allegedly concealed iPhone battery issues
Apple allegedly concealed iPhone battery issues, according to court papers filed in a group action lawsuit against the tech-giant.
It’s alleged that Apple failed – or neglected – to inform owners that there was a fault with the iPhone 6 model battery, and that it could be resolved with a new battery as opposed to a new handset.
With the likes of Samsung being sued for exploding batteries, and Apple having already admitted that older handsets slowdown with software updates, this latest battery scandal is one in a long line of issues people seem to be having with today’s modern mobile technology.
Are 3D printed medical devices and implants the way forward?
Medical devices and implants have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, but we often see a lot of compensation claims arising out from them as well. One issue with medical devices and implants is that they can be difficult to customise to different patients, but the issue could potentially be resolved with new 3D printing technology.
It’s early days, but 3D printed medical devices and implants are being used to help patients.
Is this new technology they the way forward to seeing a better world of safer implants and devices that can be made quickly and effectively?
Continue Reading…
We now know Apple are slowing down batteries to “prolong lifespan” and “prevent sudden shutdown” – but, is this acceptable?
When Apple admitted that their updated software is slowing down older models, many were outraged. The frequency of new models being released is far too much for some; especially when the cost of a new model can easily set you back a lot of money and equate to more than £100 a month.
For a phone!
So, is Apple’s explanation that they introduced the feature for the iPhone 6 and later models to protect problems occurring with batteries acceptable?
Continue Reading…