The value of personal information has never been greater in today's digital world. At Manning Law, APC, our commitment to privacy and justice extends beyond our personal injury practice to include matters related to the unauthorized use of electronic devices, and we are now filing cases under the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) on behalf of our clients.
What is the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA)?
CIPA is a California law designed to protect individuals from various privacy violations. The law prohibits the unauthorized and secret recording of communications, including phone calls, text messages, and even website interactions. This means that companies cannot secretly “listen in” on or record your conversations or website activity without your explicit consent.
A Wake-Up Call for Corporations
The seriousness of CIPA cases was recently highlighted in a significant legal battle against a major tech company, with a jury siding with the plaintiff in a CIPA case against Meta, the parent company of Facebook. This monumental decision reinforced that tech giants are not above the law and must be held accountable for their actions.
Prior to the trial against Meta, other defendants in the same case (Google and Flo Health) agreed to a $56 million settlement. This news is a powerful signal that companies are taking these claims seriously and are willing to pay significant amounts to avoid a jury verdict. With Meta now facing the damages phase of the trial, it is likely to be hit with a massive verdict unless it settles first.
Google and Flo Health Settlement Explained
The $56 million settlement resolved allegations that Google and Flo Health violated California privacy laws by improperly collecting and sharing sensitive health information from users of a period-tracking app.
What the Plaintiffs Alleged
According to the case, Flo Health's period-tracking application collected intimate health details from millions of users, including menstrual cycles, fertility windows, pregnancy status, and sexual activity. The company then allegedly shared this sensitive information with third parties, including Google and Facebook, for advertising purposes, without obtaining user consent.
Users claimed they had no idea their private health data was being transmitted to tech companies that could use it to target them with ads or build detailed profiles about their personal lives.
Why This Matters
Health information ranks among the most sensitive personal data. When companies collect details about reproductive health, pregnancy, or medical conditions and share that information without permission, they expose users to potential discrimination, harassment, or other harms.
The settlement affirms that California law protects this type of data and holds companies accountable for mishandling it. While the settlement terms remain confidential, the $56 million figure reflects the seriousness of these violations and the value courts place on protecting consumer privacy.
The Cost of Non-Compliance with CIPA
CIPA provides for statutory damages of $5,000 per violation. In cases involving large numbers of users or repeated violations, potential liability can quickly escalate into millions of dollars.
Beyond monetary damages, CIPA violations can result in:
- Injunctions requiring companies to change their data practices
- Reputational harm and loss of consumer trust
- Regulatory investigations by the California Attorney General or Federal Trade Commission
- Security implications for publicly traded companies
What This Means for You
This landmark case proves that CIPA claims are not minor issues; they are serious allegations that could result in substantial damages. If a company has secretly and unlawfully recorded your communications, you may have a valid claim. You can be certain that juries and corporations alike recognize the value of your privacy, as evidenced by the verdict against Meta and the substantial settlements from the other defendants.
When companies misuse your personal data, the impact is real. We believe that your privacy is a fundamental right. As a firm focused on helping individuals who have been harmed, we are ready to stand up for your digital rights in the same way we fight for your physical well-being after an accident.
Contact Manning Law, APC for a Free Consultation
If you suspect your privacy has been violated under CIPA, don't wait. The law is designed to protect you, and we are here to help. Call our team today at (800) 783-5006 for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your potential CIPA claim.