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Cricut’s Design Space enforces automatic cloud syncing of user files, even those stored “locally.” This raises serious GDPR concerns, especially when files contain personal data like client details, addresses, or sensitive info, undermining user control and privacy.

What steps can we take to push Cricut toward GDPR compliance and respectful data handling? Would regulatory complaints or organized campaigns for local-only storage options make a difference?

Looking forward to your thoughts and strategies!

  • franpoliOP
    3·
    1 day ago

    Under GDPR, consent must be freely given GDPR Article 7 Conditions for consent. Cricut’s requirement to use cloud-connected software to operate a purchased machine restricts users’ freedom of choice, which is problematic because:

    • Consent Cannot Be Conditional: Users are forced to accept cloud processing to use the machine for its primary purpose.

    • No Real Offline Alternative: Without an opt-out option, Cricut risks violating GDPR’s standard for valid consent.

    This also challenges GDPR Article 6 Lawfulness of Processing, which requires an appropriate legal basis for data processing.

    Other references: Cricut Terms of Use (June 7, 2024), Cricut Privacy Policy (March 31, 2022)

    • Vanth@reddthat.comEnglish
      1·
      1 day ago

      When assessing whether consent is freely given, utmost account shall be taken of whether, inter alia, the performance of a contract, including the provision of a service, is conditional on consent to the processing of personal data that is not necessary for the performance of that contract.

      Are we assuming personal data includes anything uploaded to the cloud? Like the .svg files? Because that is likely not personal data, at least it’s not all personal data by default.

      Personal data is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable living individual (data subject). Different pieces of information, which together can lead to the identification of a particular person, may also be considered personal data.

      Source: https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection/data-protection-explained_en

      So I would think what details are associated with one’s account, and what sort of encryption and control of the .SVG files plays a part.

      As for what you can do if you think your rights under GDPR haven’t been respected, you can boycott them or file a complaint or file a legal action.

      IMO, unless you could show your data specifically was mismanaged and exposed to someone who should not have had it, I would be skeptical of the success of any lawsuit. Obligatory, not a lawyer.

      • franpoliOP
        2·
        1 day ago

        Thank you for your valuable insights! I agree that complaints, legal claims and boycotts are valid approaches to push for accountability.

        Online accounts are not part of the primary purpose of acquiring the device. When purchasing a vinyl cutter or printer, users do not initially agree to a software license which is enforced later on with changing terms over time. Additionally, SVG files created with Cricut are expected to contain private information about third parties, such as addresses and messages, since the tool is designed for creating personalized items like cards and invitations. This raises serious data privacy concerns, as those individuals have not consented to their data being processed by Cricut, violating GDPR principles related to consent and purpose limitation.