Overview of the Case
Meta has been deemed liable by a federal court in California for improperly utilizing sensitive personal data from the period-tracking application Flo Health to deliver targeted advertisements.
Details of the Lawsuit
A class action lawsuit was initiated by five women against Flo Health, Meta, Google, and Flurry, claiming that their health data was shared without consent for advertising purposes between 2016 and 2019.
- The jury found Meta in violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act and the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act.
- Flo Health settled with the plaintiffs on July 31, 2025, denying all allegations.
Meta’s Response
A spokesperson for Meta stated: “We vigorously disagree with this outcome and are exploring all legal options. The plaintiffs’ claims against Meta are simply false. User privacy is important to Meta, which is why we do not want health or other sensitive information and why our terms prohibit developers from sending any.”
Settlement and Implications
Flo Health emphasized that the settlement does not imply any admission of wrongdoing. They expressed a desire to move forward and focus on their mission to enhance women’s health.
- Google and Flurry settled with the plaintiffs prior to the trial.
- Meta could potentially face damages up to $190 billion, as reported by FemTech Insider, with 38 million women involved in the class action.
Expert Commentary
Melissa Hall, legal director at MFMac, commented on the case, stating that it reflects a growing public response to data misuse. She noted:
- “People are increasingly taking privacy into their own hands, with class actions now a powerful means of holding companies accountable.”
- “Health apps must fully understand and comply with legal frameworks in every region they operate.”
- “Trust is crucial; once damaged, it can be difficult and costly to restore.”
Flo Health’s Growth
Despite the legal challenges, Flo Health achieved a significant milestone by becoming Europe’s first FemTech unicorn in July 2024, raising over $200 million in Series C funding.