A class-action suit filed in a Texas court this week alleges that some popular mobile applications access users' address book information without their consent or knowledge, reports the Austin American-Statesman. The suit--which represents 13 people and challenges almost 20 app developers--was sparked by a recent article in The New York Times and seeks to stop technology companies from collecting data without permission. Citing an industry publication that estimates the price per record between 60 cents and several dollars, the suit also seeks financial compensation. One lawyer for the plaintiffs says, "The idea that you play a video game and your address book is given away is really disconcerting." The case is expected to go to court next year.
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