Class Actions In The Age Of Technology: Evolution Or Extinction?

1. Introduction

The class action mechanism, the first examples of which emerged in England in the 13^th century, continues today to expose some of the world’s largest companies to litigation arising from misleading consumer practices, personal data breaches, anti-competitive conduct, or commercial activities causing mass harm. For instance, in the Dieselgate class actions brought against one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers over allegations of manipulated emission tests, settlements amounting to billions of dollars were reached and compensation was paid to hundreds of thousands of consumers. From technology companies to pharmaceutical manufacturers, many global actors have become parties to class action proceedings arising from disputes related to data breaches, product safety, or consumer transactions.