Meta Found Liable: California Privacy Lawsuit Over Menstrual Health Data

Meta Found Liable in Period Tracking App Data Privacy Case

A California jury has determined that Meta violated California’s user privacy regulations. This ruling came in a class-action lawsuit initiated by users of the period tracking application, Flo.

The plaintiffs alleged that Meta engaged in the unauthorized collection of sensitive menstrual health data. They further claimed this data was subsequently utilized for targeted advertising.

Details of the Lawsuit

Representing millions of Flo users, the plaintiffs asserted that both Flo and Meta collected private health information – including menstrual cycles and fertility objectives – without obtaining explicit consent. This action, they argued, constituted a breach of the California Invasion of Privacy Act.

The initial filing in 2021 named Flo, Meta, Google, AppsFlyer, and Flurry as defendants. However, Google reached a settlement in July, and Flo resolved the case earlier this month.

Legal Representatives’ Statement

“This verdict establishes a strong precedent for safeguarding digital health data and holding large technology companies responsible,” stated Michael P. Canty and Carol C. Villegas, the lead attorneys representing the plaintiffs.

They continued, “Entities like Meta, which secretly capitalize on users’ most personal details, must face consequences. The result today underscores the essential right to privacy, particularly concerning confidential health information.”

Meta’s Response

Meta expressed its disagreement with the jury’s decision and maintained that it did not monitor Flo users’ activity.

“We strongly dispute this verdict and are currently evaluating all available legal avenues,” a Meta spokesperson communicated. “The accusations leveled against Meta are unfounded. User privacy is a priority for Meta, and our policies explicitly prohibit developers from sharing such data.”

Flo’s Recent Funding

In the previous year, Flo secured $200 million in Series C funding led by General Atlantic, achieving a valuation exceeding $1 billion.

This case highlights the growing concerns surrounding data privacy and the responsibilities of tech companies in handling sensitive user information. The implications of this ruling could lead to increased scrutiny of data collection practices within the health and wellness app industry.