Revelations of digital espionage have emerged in a class action lawsuit that accuses a company of facilitating surveillance through its website. The complaint, filed by Rebeka Rodriguez on February 3, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for Ventura County, targets Grand Home Holdings Inc., operating as BBQGalore.com. Rodriguez alleges that the defendant's website secretly aids TikTok in spying on users.
Rodriguez claims that the defendant's website employs spyware known as a "tracking pixel," created by TikTok, to gather detailed information about visitors without their consent. This software allegedly collects data such as device and browser information, geographic location, and even personal identifiers like phone numbers and email addresses. The plaintiff argues that this covert data collection constitutes a violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), specifically the Trap and Trace Law codified at California Penal Code § 638.51.
The complaint details how the tracking pixel operates from the moment a user lands on the site, collecting information before any privacy notice or consent is given. It further alleges that this data is shared with TikTok, which has been described as a "trojan horse" for Chinese government espionage efforts. The lawsuit asserts that this practice effectively "doxes" users to geopolitical adversaries like China.
Rodriguez, who identifies as both an interested consumer and a privacy advocate acting as a "tester," emphasizes her role in ensuring compliance with California's privacy laws. She references recent legal precedents supporting serial litigation to enforce consumer protection statutes, underscoring her standing in this case.
The plaintiff seeks class certification for all California residents who visited BBQGalore.com and had their personal information shared without informed consent. The lawsuit demands statutory damages under CIPA, attorney fees, and other equitable relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Rodriguez are attorneys Scott J. Ferrell, David W. Reid, and Victoria C. Knowles from Pacific Trial Attorneys. The case is presided over by Judge Klausner under Case No: #U25CUM TOS FF a2.