In an era where digital privacy is increasingly under threat, consumers are standing up to tech giants accused of crossing ethical and legal lines. One of the latest companies under scrutiny is Adobe Inc., which is now facing serious allegations of invasive tracking and data monetization. The recently filed Adobe class action lawsuit accuses the company of secretly monitoring users’ online behavior and selling that information for profit—without user knowledge or consent.
Plaintiff Nicholas Rapak claims Adobe has been violating the privacy rights of millions of U.S. users by harvesting directly identifiable data through technologies like its Experience Cloud Identity Service. If proven true, these practices could have massive implications for data privacy and consumer rights.
In this in-depth analysis, Sparrow unpacks the Adobe class action lawsuit, outlines who may be affected, and shows you how to take the next step if you suspect your data was collected without your approval. For more legal insights into privacy and digital tracking, visit our Sur La Table data breach blog.
Background: Adobe’s Alleged Surveillance Practices
The class action lawsuit—Rapak, et al. v. Adobe Inc., Case No. 5:25-cv-03032—was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. At the center of the case are accusations that Adobe’s Experience Cloud Identity Service assigns unique, persistent identifiers to every user interacting with partner websites.
According to plaintiff Rapak, this ID system allows Adobe to:
- Track users regardless of browser or device
- Bypass traditional privacy settings and cookie blockers
- Share this data with third parties for targeted advertising
The complaint highlights that while many companies are phasing out invasive tracking due to public pressure and regulatory oversight, Adobe allegedly doubled down by creating a workaround to continue user surveillance.
Adobe’s Experience Cloud is a major business division marketed as a tool for businesses to personalize user experiences. Yet, this lawsuit suggests its backbone may be built on the systematic violation of consumer privacy laws.
To understand how other privacy class actions have played out, see our analysis of Apple’s data collection lawsuits.
Key Claims in the Adobe Class Action Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges multiple legal violations, including:
1. Invasion of Privacy
Rapak contends Adobe committed a serious breach by collecting and monetizing personal information without disclosure or consent.
2. Violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA)
Under CIPA, it’s illegal to intercept communications without both parties’ knowledge. Rapak alleges Adobe captured communications between users and third-party websites—without notice or permission.
3. Violation of the Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act (CDAFA)
This law prohibits unauthorized access to computer systems. Rapak says Adobe’s tracking methods qualify as unlawful digital intrusion.
4. Unjust Enrichment
The lawsuit argues Adobe has wrongfully profited from the data it collected unlawfully and must return those gains to affected users.
Plaintiff Rapak is demanding:
- Jury trial
- Injunctive relief
- Statutory and punitive damages
- Declaratory judgment to stop Adobe’s tracking practices
How Adobe Tracks Users Without Consent
According to the complaint, Adobe’s Experience Cloud Identity Service assigns a unique ID to each site visitor. Unlike cookies that can be blocked or cleared, this identifier persists across sessions and websites. Users allegedly have no way of knowing they’re being tracked or opting out.
This system enables Adobe to:
- Identify and follow users across different websites
- Collect data about browsing history and online behavior
- Build detailed profiles used for ad targeting
These practices may affect users of hundreds or even thousands of websites powered by Adobe tools.
If you’ve interacted with content hosted on Adobe’s web platform or its marketing services, you could be affected.
Who Qualifies to Join the Adobe Class Action Lawsuit?
The proposed class includes all U.S. residents whose online activity was intercepted, tracked, or monetized by Adobe without their knowledge between 2020 and 2024.
You may be eligible if:
- You visited websites using Adobe’s Experience Cloud services
- You never agreed to Adobe’s privacy policy
- You noticed highly targeted ads after web sessions
- You use ad blockers or privacy tools but still received ads linked to recent activity
Legal Significance: Why This Case Matters
This Adobe class action lawsuit is a pivotal case in the ongoing struggle for digital privacy. If Adobe is found liable, the verdict could:
- Set precedent for how companies use tracking IDs
- Boost public awareness of data rights
- Pave the way for stronger regulatory enforcement under CIPA and CDAFA
What You Can Do If You’re Affected
Step 1: Review Your Browsing History
Check if you visited sites using Adobe Experience Cloud between 2020 and 2024.
Step 2: Protect Your Data
Consider enhanced privacy tools, like VPNs and browsers that block tracking scripts.
Step 3: File a Claim or Join the Lawsuit
Visit our class action submission page to connect with legal professionals. They can review your case and help you join the Adobe class action lawsuit if eligible.
Conclusion
As tech companies continue to push the boundaries of data collection, consumers are fighting back. The Adobe class action lawsuit is the latest example of users demanding transparency, consent, and accountability in the digital age.
If you believe your online behavior was secretly tracked or your data was sold without permission, you may be entitled to compensation. At Sparrow, we believe in protecting digital rights and keeping corporations accountable.
Take action today. Visit our digital privacy blog for more updates and file a claim if you suspect Adobe violated your privacy.