August 18, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com — A landmark Meta privacy verdict in California federal court has intensified scrutiny over how websites collect and share sensitive user information, sending a warning to companies that use online tracking tools.
An eight-member jury found that Meta Platforms Inc., parent company of Facebook, unlawfully received sensitive reproductive health data from the popular Flo period-tracking app, violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). The decision marks a rare victory for plaintiffs in a wiretapping case involving modern web technologies.
Jury Finds Meta Violated California Privacy Law
The jury concluded that Meta intentionally recorded menstrual and sexual health information from Flo app users between November 2016 and February 2019. The plaintiffs — representing potentially millions of users — argued that Meta’s tracking technology exploited intimate data for targeted advertising without proper consent.
CIPA, originally designed to prevent unauthorized telephone wiretapping, has increasingly been applied to digital tracking methods such as pixels, session replay software, and chatbots. The verdict underscores that sensitive health data receives heightened legal protection.
Wider Implications for Website Operators
Privacy attorneys say the ruling will embolden plaintiffs in similar lawsuits and force companies to reassess their data collection practices. Businesses that handle health-related information may now face greater risks if their privacy disclosures are insufficient.
“This verdict shows courts are taking these issues seriously,” said Suzanne Bernstein of the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC). “The injury occurs the moment information is shared without the user’s informed consent.”
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in 2022, concerns have grown over reproductive health data being accessed by law enforcement in states that restrict abortion, making the protection of such information even more urgent.
Meta Pushes Back Against Verdict
Meta has filed post-trial motions seeking to overturn the decision or decertify the class. The company argues it does not “record” user communications, instead providing code to advertisers who agree not to share sensitive information.
Defense attorneys note that while the verdict is significant, its unique circumstances — a high-profile defendant, reproductive health data, and a jury trial — may not be easily replicated in other privacy disputes.
If upheld, the ruling could lead to billions in damages, as CIPA allows for at least $5,000 per violation.
Privacy Reform and Industry Response
The Meta privacy verdict has sparked renewed calls for companies to limit data collection to only what is necessary and to shift from opt-out to opt-in consent models. Meanwhile, California legislators are considering Senate Bill 690, which could narrow CIPA liability for businesses by exempting certain “commercial business purpose” activities.
However, privacy advocates warn that even if the bill passes, litigation will continue, and other states or the federal government may adopt stricter protections. Legal analysts note that the Meta privacy verdict could serve as a blueprint for future cases, encouraging more plaintiffs to challenge companies that fail to disclose how they track and share user information.
Industry experts also emphasize that the ruling highlights an urgent need for businesses handling sensitive health data to re-evaluate compliance frameworks, update disclosures, and prepare for broader enforcement actions tied directly to digital tracking practices.
For more on consumer privacy and digital health protections, visit the Electronic Privacy Information Center.
FAQs: About the Meta Privacy Verdict
What was the Meta privacy verdict about?
A California jury found Meta violated state privacy law by receiving sensitive health data from Flo app users without proper consent.
Why is this verdict significant?
It signals that courts are willing to apply old privacy laws like CIPA to modern tracking technologies, increasing potential liability for companies.
How could this impact other businesses?
Companies using tracking tools, especially those handling health data, may face higher legal risks and need to adopt stronger disclosure and consent practices.
Does the Meta privacy verdict affect reproductive health apps?
Yes. Because the case centered on sensitive reproductive health data, the Meta privacy verdict highlights the risks for apps that track menstrual cycles, fertility, or other intimate health details. These platforms may face increased scrutiny from regulators and plaintiffs’ attorneys.
What legal precedent does the Meta privacy verdict set?
The Meta privacy verdict reinforces that older privacy laws like CIPA can be applied to modern digital tracking technologies. This precedent may encourage more lawsuits against companies that fail to disclose data-sharing practices, especially when sensitive health information is involved.
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