A class action lawsuit against Tesla involving allegations of intrusive video recordings will not see its day in court as a judge has decided to send the case to arbitration.
The legal dispute, filed by Henry Yeh, a Model Y owner, claims that cameras installed in his and other Tesla vehicles have been used to capture “highly-invasive videos and images” of owners and others. In his lawsuit Yeh claims that Tesla employees had access to this footage and, between 2019 and 2022, shared it for personal reasons.
The lawsuit, which was later amended to include his infant son, G.Y., emphasized the potential breach of privacy for the entire family. Yeh’s main concern centered around Sentry Mode, which, according to the lawsuit, posed a “substantial risk” of unauthorized surveillance.
Tesla responded to the allegations by filing a motion to compel arbitration, contending that Yeh had agreed to arbitration when purchasing the vehicle online and signing the retail installment sale contract. The company argued that Yeh lacked Article III standing, as he failed to demonstrate any improper access or sharing of video footage, as well as any resulting injuries. (via CarComplaints)
After considering both sides of the case, the judge sided with Tesla, granting the automaker’s motion to compel arbitration for both Yeh and his son G.Y. Despite Yeh’s argument that a minor like G.Y. cannot enter into a contract, the judge dismissed this claim.
