Harrison Rural Electrification Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Internet Service

A class-action lawsuit has been filed in the Northern District of West Virginia alleging that customers of the Harrison Rural Electrification Association (HREA) had their internet activity monitored, accessed, or disclosed without their consent.

The lawsuit, titled Harris v. Harrison Rural Electrification Association, et al., was filed on April 15, 2026 and seeks to represent individuals who subscribed to HREA internet service and whose online communications or activities may have been subject to unauthorized monitoring during the relevant time period.

The case was initiated by a West Virginia man who claims that HREA customers’ internet activity was monitored without consent, according to the discovery headline from WDTV and corroborated by multiple sources including MSN and Facebook posts referencing the lawsuit.

As of the filing date, the court has not made any rulings, no class has been certified, and no determination of liability has been made. The case is in its initial stages following the filing of the complaint.

The lawsuit concerns allegations that certain entities associated with HREA internet services engaged in the monitoring, access, or disclosure of customers’ internet activity without consent. The nature of the alleged monitoring and the specific technologies or methods used have not been detailed in the publicly available filings or notices.

Individuals who believe they may be affected are directed to the informational website HREAclass.com, which provides access to the filed complaint and details about the case. The site includes a notice that the page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Those seeking further information may contact the office of Attorney Sean W. Cook at 681-781-4371, select option #2, and provide detailed information about their potential involvement.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about consumer privacy and data protection in the provision of internet services, particularly in rural areas where alternative providers may be limited. It underscores the legal scrutiny surrounding unauthorized surveillance of online activity and the potential legal consequences for entities accused of violating user consent and privacy expectations.

No official response from HREA or associated entities has been included in the currently available public sources. The tech industry and privacy advocates are likely to monitor the case for its implications on data handling practices by internet service providers.

The lawsuit remains active in the federal court system, with future developments dependent on judicial rulings regarding class certification, evidence discovery, and potential settlement or trial proceedings.