As settlement in class action lawsuits, Canadian coffee giant Tim Hortons will offer a free hot beverage and a baked good as an apology for tracking the location of users of its app. The app tracked users when they left or entered a Tim Hortons competitor such as Starbucks, their home or workplace, and more.
In June, regulators said that the data collection was in violation of the law.
“Tim Hortons clearly crossed the line by amassing a huge amount of highly sensitive information about its customers. Following people’s movements every few minutes of every day was clearly an inappropriate form of surveillance. This case once again highlights the harms that can result from poorly designed technologies as well as the need for strong privacy laws to protect the rights of Canadians,” Daniel Therrien, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, said at the time.
Speaking to Motherboard, Tim Hortons said: “We’re pleased to have reached a proposed settlement, subject to Court approval, in the four class action lawsuits in Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario involving the Tim Hortons app. As part of the proposed settlement agreement, eligible app users will receive a free hot beverage and a free baked good.
“All parties agree this is a fair settlement and we look forward to the Superior Court of Quebec’s decision on the proposal. We are confident that pending the Quebec court’s approval of the settlement, the courts in British Columbia and Ontario will recognize the settlement.”
The coffee giant sent an email to all affected users, saying: “You are receiving this email in connection with a proposed settlement, subject to Court approval, of a national class action lawsuit involving the Tim Hortons app and the collection of geolocation data between April 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020.
“As part of the proposed settlement agreement, eligible app users will receive a free hot beverage and a free baked good. Distribution details will be provided following approval, in the event that the court approves the settlement.”
According to the email, the hot beverage will be worth $6.19 and the baked good will be worth $2.30.
