X faces Dutch class action case for “unjustifiable enrichment”

Social media service X (formerly Twitter) faces another class action court case in the Netherlands, this time for “gross violations of fundamental rights of data protection and consumer protection”.

The case is being brought by the Somi foundation, which has previously been involved in lawsuits against TikTok and Facebook parent company Meta Platforms. Somi alleges that Elon Musk’s company has failed to take measures to make the X platform a safe haven.

The foundation says there have been at least four data breaches at X since February 2022 and that the personal data of X users has ended up on the dark web. Somi also claims X falls short in countering hate speech and allows advertisers to target advertising based on users’ sensitive personal data, such as political views or religious beliefs.

‘It is clear that X has acted unlawfully and unjustifiably enriched itself at the expense of its users,” Somi said in a press release. “These practices have caused harm. Therefore, SOMI demands an end to the unlawful conduct and compensation on behalf of the affected X users.”

Somi, which does not go into details about how much compensation it will claim, is now trying to attract X users to sign up to the lawsuit.

In January three Dutch foundations were given the green light by judges in Amsterdam to take TikTok to court if they fail to settle with the social media giant. 

One foundation – Take Back Your Privacy – will represent children in the class action case and a second – Massaschade & Consument – will represent adults. Somi is also involved but not as a main player.

The Somi foundation is also demanding compensation of €500 on behalf of Dutch Facebook users who have signed up for that case.