Category: Technology
French emissions investigations expand to Fiat Chrysler
The French emissions investigations have been ongoing for some time, having their beginnings in the 2015 Volkswagen “dieselgate” scandal, in which the carmaker was found guilty of using illegal defeat devices as a means of cheating emissions tests. Now, following charges against a number of other manufacturers across the globe, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Italy has been added to the list of carmakers under the scrutiny of investigators.
Owned by Stellantis, FCA Italy is suspected of alleged consumer fraud in respect of diesel vehicles being sold in France. The allegations against the brand reflect a trend, as many well-known carmakers have been accused of allegedly misleading customers regarding their compliance with emissions regulations. As things stand, carmakers are strenuously denying that they have done anything wrong.
The legal cases here in the UK are still gradually progressing, but we are investigating several carmakers over alleged breaches of consumer law, including Fiat. If you have recently owned or leased a diesel vehicle produced by one of the suspected manufacturers, you can check your eligibility for a compensation claim with us today.
Allegations against Renault denied by former chief
The former executive of car companies Renault and Nissan has come forward to deny the allegations against Renault, acting as a witness in French investigations that are ongoing into the carmaker. Carlos Ghosn himself became the subject of controversy after he was reportedly arrested in Japan for alleged financial misconduct, which was said to be due to misuse of company money. It was then reported that he later travelled to Lebanon and may have been able to evade the charges against him.
However, in the latest emission scandal news, Ghosn was speaking in relation to the charges against the company that he formerly led, as French prosecutors recently charged Renault with deceit following lengthy investigations. Mirroring the company’s own response to the accusations, Ghosn refuted the claims of any wrongdoing.
Emissions fraud first became a topic of major public discussion when the Volkswagen “dieselgate” scandal broke in 2015. This came with the revelations that the carmaker had been using illegal defeat devices that were designed to cheat emissions tests, something they have continually denied. Our initiation of High Court proceedings against Volkswagen in 2016 has helped to pave the way for the carmaker being held responsible for issues with emissions software, and we are seeking to hold further carmakers accountable for any alleged emissions fraud. If it is found that your vehicle has been affected by emissions irregularities, you may be entitled to claim compensation now.
Virgin Media data leak claims
In March 2020, news of the Virgin Media data leak revealed that as many as 900,000 UK people (mainly customers) had had their information exposed due to a system insecurity. The data protection errors that occurred within the company came with serious consequences, causing those affected to potentially become vulnerable to data misuse.
In accordance with UK data protection law, every citizen has rights that can protect them in the aftermath of a data breach. These rights can be asserted in a data breach compensation claim to ensure that third-party data controllers cannot get away with needless errors and negligence.
We believe all those affected by the Virgin Media data breach could be eligible to claim compensation for any harm caused, which is why we have launched a group action to see that justice is done. Our experience in high-profile data breach group actions means that we are well equipped to lead claims to fruition. If you were notified of your involvement in the Virgin Media data leak, we encourage you to join our action, as you may be able to recover thousands of pounds in compensation.
Ticketmaster data group action – still time to claim
Three years have passed since the Ticketmaster data breach, which affected the private information of a huge number of customers. An external hacker was able to compromise Ticketmaster’s wider systems, allowing them to steal personal details and payment data from customers making online bookings. The wide-reaching impact of this breach must be accounted for, which is why we are still pursuing our Ticketmaster data group action, aiming to help those affected by the incident to claim the compensation that they deserve.
All third-party organisations in possession of personal information must abide by the regulations set out in data protection law. Where they fail to do so, their actions (or inaction) could be regarded as a data protection breach, and those affected could then be entitled to claim compensation for any harm caused.
If you were adversely impacted by the Ticketmaster data breach, you can assert your rights using data protection law by making a compensation claim. We can offer free, no-obligation on your eligibility for a claim, and can get your claim underway swiftly if we think you could be entitled to compensation.
Renault diesel emissions investigations lead to charge for carmaker
The Renault diesel emissions investigations in France have now given way to a charge relating to alleged deceit against the carmaker, whom prosecutors have reportedly accused of test-cheating and emissions software manipulation. Renault continues to dispute the allegations, but given the widespread emissions scandal affecting the car industry, the carmaker looks set to face further scrutiny in the courts.
In 2015, the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ scandal first hit the headlines after VW was accused of using illegal defeat device technology in its diesel vehicles as a means of manipulating their emissions output during testing. Since then, the majority of major carmakers have been subjected to similar allegations, leading to billions of pounds in fines and potential compensation pay-outs internationally.
Your Lawyers was the first firm to initiate formal High Court proceedings against Volkswagen in England and Wales, and were later appointed to the Steering Committee responsible for the overall conduct of the Group Litigation Order. Now, we want to ensure that all those affected by emissions irregularities have a chance to claim the compensation they could be entitled to in our emissions group actions.
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.