A class action lawsuit over unauthorized data sharing through web tracking tools has led to a settlement impacting over 313,000 individuals.
Akron Children’s Hospital has settled a class action lawsuit related to its use of Meta Pixel and other third-party analytics tools on its website. The tools allegedly transmitted personally identifiable information (PII) of website visitors, including minors, to Facebook, Google, and other third parties without user knowledge or consent.
The original lawsuit, Doe v. Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron, was filed in January 2024 by a parent representing his children and a broader class of affected individuals. Allegations included invasion of privacy, negligence, breach of confidence, and improper disclosure of electronic communications.
Although the hospital denied any wrongdoing, it pursued a mediated settlement to avoid the cost and unpredictability of a jury trial. After months of negotiations, both sides agreed to terms that have now received preliminary court approval.
The settlement provides each of the 313,700 class members with a one-time $19 cash payment and two years of identity protection services. These services include dark web monitoring, identity theft insurance, and identity restoration support.
Akron Children’s Hospital has also agreed to cover all legal and administrative costs associated with the settlement. Additionally, it has committed to injunctive relief, which includes removing pixels from its website and promising not to use pixels on patient portals or forms in the future. It may still use certain functionality-related pixels and HIPAA-compliant analytics tools, provided proper agreements are in place.
While Akron Children’s Hospital denies all legal claims and liability, it stated its desire to resolve the matter without prolonged litigation. The preliminary approval by Judge Alison McCarty allows the claims process to proceed. The deadline for class members to opt out, object, or submit a claim is September 29, 2025, with the final approval hearing scheduled for October 10, 2025.
Meta Pixel is a tracking tool that helps website owners analyze visitor behavior. In healthcare, its use can raise privacy concerns if it collects or transmits identifiable health or personal data without proper consent or safeguards.
It refers to an invasion of privacy claim based on someone intentionally intruding into another person’s private affairs in a way that would be offensive to a reasonable person.
Under HIPAA, third-party vendors handling protected health information must have a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) in place. Unauthorized data sharing through tools without a BAA may constitute a violation.
Yes, but with restrictions. Providers can use pixels for certain functionality or with third parties who sign HIPAA-compliant agreements. However, they must avoid using such tools in ways that transmit sensitive user data without consent.
Those impacted by the settlement must submit claims, objections, or exclusion requests by September 29, 2025. They should review the official settlement site or court documents for eligibility and instructions.