AWO

AWO is a leading legal and strategic advisory firm at the forefront of technology, AI, and data regulation. Its team, which includes award-winning solicitors, delivers expert guidance on emerging technologies, data protection, and privacy law. AWO is known for combining deep legal insight with a track record of high-impact litigation and strategic challenges – including landmark cases against World Check, SkyBet, Google, Meta, and the Cambridge Analytica litigation.

Clients trust AWO for its ability to deliver results in complex, high-stakes environments. Notable outcomes include:

• Meta (Cambridge Analytica): AWO played a key role in litigation that contributed to Meta’s record-breaking $725 million privacy settlement — the largest in U.S. history for a data breach. AWO also acted for Tanya O'Carroll in her case against Meta relating to her successful objection to the use of her data for personalised advertising.
• SkyBet: AWO successfully challenged the misuse of personal data in the gambling sector. AWO acted for the Claimant in RTM v Bonne Terre, and led matters leading to regulatory scrutiny and improved data practices.
• World Check: AWO’s strategic litigation led to the removal of inaccurate and harmful data from a widely used financial risk database, protecting individuals from reputational damage.
• Clearview AI: Representing Privacy International, AWO secured a ruling affirming the UK Information Commissioner’s jurisdiction over the controversial facial recognition firm.

AWO is the go-to firm for international organisations, governments, NGOs, and individuals navigating the legal and regulatory landscape of developing technologies, and for novel tech and data cases that engage rights and liberties. Its expertise spans key sectors and technologies, including:

• Generative AI: Advising Serpentine Gallery on a pioneering choral data generative AI art project.
• Workplace technologies: Representing Worker Info Exchange, UNISON, Equity and the Trades Union Congress on data use in the gig economy.
• Facial recognition: Supporting both advocacy groups and individuals impacted by biometric surveillance.
• AdTech innovation: Advising a major internet browser provider on privacy-preserving ad attribution models.
• Regulatory compliance: Assisting the UK’s data protection regulator in assessing machine learning risks under the Online Safety Act.

Founding partner Ravi Naik is widely recognised for his leadership in legal debates around digital technologies, including mass data collection, ad-tech, and smart city development. His reputation reflects AWO’s commitment to shaping the future of tech governance through strategic legal action and forward-thinking advice.