The Associated Press reports former employees have taken Ikea France to court over claims the retailer invaded the privacy of the claimants and some customers. Trade unions allege the retailer bought access to personal data and criminal records for certain employees and customers in 2012 with the aim of identifying suspicious individuals or those working against the company. Ikea told the court it did not practice any sort of "generalized espionage" and claims it addressed the complaints when they were made.