A significant legal battle is unfolding in Canada as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) faces a class action lawsuit over a major data breach that occurred between March and December 2020. Thousands of Canadians are now part of a legal effort to seek justice after their personal and financial information was allegedly exposed to unauthorized third parties.
What Happened?
Between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, the CRA was accused of exposing personal and financial information from various Government of Canada online accounts, including CRA accounts and My Service Canada accounts. The breach reportedly occurred through vulnerabilities in the Government of Canada Branded Credential Service (GCKey), which allowed hackers to access sensitive information without authorization.
The class action lawsuit, launched by Murphy Battista LLP, represents individuals whose information was compromised during this period. The legal action was officially filed in the Federal Court and has gained momentum as more affected individuals come forward.
Who Is Included in the Settlement?
The class action covers anyone whose information was compromised during the specified period. This includes individuals who had accounts with the CRA, My Service Canada, or any other Government of Canada online account accessed through GCKey. Importantly, those who had previously contacted the law firm about the breach before June 24, 2021, are excluded from the class action.
Affected individuals are automatically included in the lawsuit and do not need to take any action to participate. However, those who wish to opt out must submit an opt-out form to Rice Harbut Elliott LLP by November 27, 2023.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you were affected by the data breach, you may be eligible for compensation. The class action lawsuit aims to secure damages for the emotional and financial distress caused by the breach. The exact amount of compensation will depend on the outcome of the legal proceedings and the number of participants in the lawsuit.
How to Check Your Status?
Those interested in the status of the settlement can stay informed by registering on the RHE Law website. This will allow you to receive periodic updates about the case. Additionally, affected individuals can consult the law firm for more detailed information regarding their inclusion in the lawsuit and any steps they might need to take.
Conclusion
The CRA data breach has caused significant concern among Canadians, and the ongoing class action lawsuit represents a critical step toward accountability and justice. As the case progresses, affected individuals should stay informed about their rights and the potential outcomes of the legal action. If you believe your information was compromised, make sure to check your status and stay updated on the latest developments.
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