Employees spied on for years Million fine for Ikea in France
Status: 15.06.2021 1:44 p.m.
For years, Ikea had spied out unpleasant employees in France and created customer profiles. Two former managers have now been found guilty – and the furniture store has to pay a fine of more than one million euros. In the process of spying on staff and customers, Ikea was fined one million euros in France. The judges at the court in Versailles found that the French Ikea subsidiary had carried out espionage between 2009 and 2012 to investigate unpleasant employees and create profiles of disgruntled customers. Unions accused Ikea France of fraudulently collecting personal data, particularly through illegally obtained police files, and of divulging personal information without permission. Company lawyers denied that the company had any “general espionage” strategy.
“It’s a symbol”
Abel Amara, a former Ikea employee who helped expose the crackdown, called the ruling a major step in citizens’ defense. “I am glad that there is justice in France,” he said. A trade union lawyer, Solène Debarre, expressed hope that the verdict “will shake some companies”. “A million isn’t much for Ikea, but it’s a symbol,” said Debarre.
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Private security company took care of the data
The disclosure sheet “Canard enchaîné” reported in 2012 about a systematic spying. The security department of the French Ikea subsidiary commissioned a private security company in 2003 to provide the company with some confidential data on staff and applicants – such as information on possible criminal records or bank statements. Similar information is said to have been requested from customers who were involved in a legal dispute with Ikea. The FO union then filed a complaint against unknown persons about the illegal use of personal data.
Probation and fine
The manager, who was responsible for risk management at the time, admitted in court that 530,000 to 630,000 euros had been allocated annually for such investigations. The instructions to his department had come from the former CEO of Ikea France, Jean-Louis Baillot. This denied the allegations, but was sentenced to a fine of 50,000 euros and two years in prison. Another former responsible received 18 months probation and a fine of 10,000 euros. Of the other 13 defendants, some were acquitted, while others were also given parole. The Swedish group distanced itself from the alleged practices. After the investigation began in 2012, Ikea fired four managers and changed its internal policies. Several civil suits by unions and 74 employees are pending. After the judgment, the company said it had taken note of the decision. You now allow us to look ahead.
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