A California federal court jury has delivered a guilty verdict against Meta Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, for exploiting consumers’ sensitive reproductive health information for targeted advertising. Eight women who used the popular period-tracking app Flo Health brought the case against Meta, Google, and others, alleging that Flo Health shared their data with these tech companies without consent.
The plaintiffs argued that Flo Health gave Meta access to users’ health data from 2016 to 2019 despite assuring consumers of the opposite. The jury found Meta liable for violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act and the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act.
Meta could face up to $190 billion in damages, according to reports. Thirty-eight million women were included in the class action, with each violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act resulting in a penalty of $5,000.
The verdict comes as other tech companies are exploring ways to exchange patient health data with wearables companies and hospitals. The case highlights the need for stronger protections of digital health data and holds Big Tech accountable for their actions.
Lead trial attorneys described the verdict as a “clear message” about the protection of digital health data, emphasizing the importance of accountability for companies that profit from users’ intimate information.
Source: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/digital-health/meta-found-liable-abusing-consumer-reproductive-health-data-run-targeted-ads