Proposed Lawsuit Highlights Data Privacy Breaches by LinkedIn and Google
A proposed class-action lawsuit has emerged against LinkedIn and Google following a joint investigation by CalMatters and The Markup, uncovering that the tech giants allegedly accessed sensitive data from users of California’s health insurance exchange website, Covered California.
The investigation revealed that web trackers on the site, specifically the Insight Tag, transmitted personal information—including details about users’ health conditions and demographics—to LinkedIn without users’ consent. This concerning data included sensitive information about pregnancy status, disabilities, and prior experiences with domestic abuse. The trackers were utilized in an advertising campaign launched by Covered California in early 2024.
An anonymous plaintiff has initiated the lawsuit in the Northern District of California, asserting that her personal information was shared with LinkedIn and Google after using the site to apply for health insurance. The lawsuit seeks to represent all individuals whose data was improperly sent to the companies, alleging violations of the California Invasion of Privacy Act and the federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act.
In response to the backlash, Covered California has removed the trackers and is currently assessing the extent of the data shared. Rep. Kevin Kiley has called the situation “incredibly disturbing” and has urged the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate whether any privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, were breached.
While Google did not offer comments, LinkedIn stated that its policies forbid the use of Insight Tag on sites handling sensitive data. As the lawsuit unfolds, concerns regarding privacy protection for millions participating in Covered California grow ever more pressing.
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