The California-based health system will pay millions to resolve a class action over unauthorized tracking on its website.
MarinHealth has agreed to pay $3 million to settle a class action lawsuit over its use of the Meta Pixel tracking tool on its website between August 2019 and May 2025. Plaintiffs alleged that the tracking tools collected and shared sensitive user information with third parties without proper authorization or user consent.
The lawsuit, filed in Marin County Superior Court, claimed this practice violated privacy rights by transmitting identifiable health-related data to Meta (formerly Facebook), potentially enabling targeted ads based on a visitor’s health concerns or browsing behavior.
Meta Pixel tracks user interactions on websites where it’s installed, including clicks, page visits, and form selections. On healthcare websites, this type of data can reveal medical conditions or treatment interests. The lawsuit alleged that MarinHealth’s use of this technology amounted to an invasion of privacy, affecting users of its hospital and outpatient clinic websites in Marin and Sonoma counties.
MarinHealth denied the allegations and admitted no wrongdoing. However, to avoid prolonged litigation and trial risks, both parties agreed to settle. The $3 million settlement fund will cover legal fees, service awards for named plaintiffs, and cash payments to class members. Individual payouts will depend on how many claims are submitted, for example, payments may range from $78 to $261.
The health system has also agreed to remove Meta Pixel from its website and will not reintroduce tracking tools without first notifying users and obtaining their consent.
MarinHealth has not admitted liability and continues to dispute the claims, maintaining that its use of tracking tools did not violate privacy laws. The court filings state that the settlement was intended to avoid further legal costs and uncertainty, rather than serve as a concession of fault.
Under the terms of the settlement, attorneys’ fees are capped at $1 million, with an additional $50,000 for legal expenses. Named plaintiffs will receive $2,000 each, and remaining funds will be distributed to verified class members.
Meta Pixel is a tracking tool that collects user behavior data on websites. In healthcare, it can capture sensitive interactions like appointment bookings or condition-specific searches, raising privacy concerns if used without consent.
Yes. Several health systems have already faced lawsuits for using Meta Pixel or similar trackers without adequate disclosure, and more legal actions are likely as awareness grows.
Eligible individuals will be notified directly through court-approved communication, with instructions on how to file a claim for a cash payment.
Yes. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued guidance warning that using third-party tracking tools on healthcare websites may violate HIPAA if patient data is collected without consent.