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San Diego County launches consumer-protection unit with three lawsuits
The county introduced a dedicated civil-enforcement division and filed its first cases involving digital advertising, online gaming and 3D-printing materials.
San Diego County introduced its Consumer Fairness and Public Protection Division on Monday, describing it as the county's first unit dedicated to investigating and pursuing civil consumer-protection cases under California law.
The division began work with lawsuits against digital-advertising company AppLovin, online-gaming platform Roblox and 3D-printing materials maker Polymaker. County officials said the cases focus on child safety, consumer privacy and materials promoted for manufacturing unserialized firearms.
Claims remain allegations
The county alleges that AppLovin bypassed parental safeguards and collected sensitive device information, that Roblox did not provide protections consistent with how it marketed the platform to families, and that Polymaker promoted materials for unlawful firearm production. Those claims are allegations in civil complaints and have not been adjudicated; the defendants may contest them.
According to City News Service, the county is seeking court orders to stop the alleged practices, along with civil penalties or other financial remedies in the AppLovin and Polymaker cases. The Roblox complaint seeks injunctive relief.
Official announcement: County of San Diego →
Original report: City News Service via Patch →