Data Protection and Privacy

Data protection and privacy is at the heart of all of AWO’s work.

Our legal practice is at the forefront of strategic litigation that clarifies and strengthens the data protection regime. Most recently, we won a landmark ruling on General Data Protection (GDPR) consent to profiling and targeting that has consequences for all online advertising market participants. On behalf of human rights campaigner Tanya O’Carroll, we negotiated a settlement with Meta that sets a precedent for UK users to object to the use of their personal data for targeted advertising. Our other strategic challenges have included cases against WorldCheck, Google and the Cambridge Analytica litigation.

We regularly partner with civil society organisations to enforce data protection law. On behalf of Big Brother Watch we have filed complaints with the UK data protection regulator on PimEyes, the online facial recognition search engine, and a UK supermarket’s use of live facial recognition cameras.

We produce applied research for regulators, public bodies and civil society on novel issues in data protection, including its implications for AI governance and the foundation model ecosystem.