Mount Sinai Class Action Lawsuit, Facebook Data Sharing Settlement – Complete Guide & Claims Process
The Mount Sinai class action lawsuit has reached a significant milestone with a proposed settlement that could provide compensation to hundreds of thousands of patients whose personal health information may have been shared with Facebook. This landmark case highlights growing concerns about healthcare data privacy and the use of tracking technology on medical websites.
If you are a Mount Sinai MyChart account holder who logged into your MyChart account through https://mychart.mountsinai.org/ between October 27, 2020 and October 27, 2023, you may be eligible to receive a claim payment from a class action settlement.
For individuals affected by this data privacy breach and those following healthcare privacy law developments, understanding the Mount Sinai class action lawsuit settlement provides crucial insights into your rights and potential compensation.
Table of Contents
What Is the Mount Sinai Class Action Lawsuit About?
The Mount Sinai class action lawsuit, officially known as Cooper, et al., v. Mount Sinai Health System, Inc., centers on allegations that Mount Sinai improperly shared patient personal health information with Facebook through tracking technology embedded on their website and patient portal.
Through the litigation, the named plaintiffs alleged that their personal health information was collected and shared with Facebook through Mount Sinai’s implementation of the Facebook Pixel and Conversions Application Programming Interface (CAPI) on its Website and Patient Portal.
Core Allegations in the Mount Sinai Lawsuit
The lawsuit presents several serious allegations regarding patient data privacy violations:
Facebook Pixel Tracking: Patients alleged that Mount Sinai installed Facebook’s tracking pixel on their MyChart patient portal and website, which automatically collected and transmitted personal health information to Facebook.
Unauthorized Data Sharing: The lawsuit claims that sensitive medical information, including patient login details, appointment information, and health conditions, were shared with Facebook without patient consent.
HIPAA Violations: Plaintiffs argued that the data sharing violated the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other federal privacy laws designed to protect patient information.
Mount Sinai’s Response and Denial of Claims
While Mount Sinai has agreed to settle the case, they maintain their innocence regarding the allegations made in the class action lawsuit.
Mount Sinai denies this allegation, including specifically denying that any medical information from either the Patient Portal or the Website was shared with Facebook.
Hospital’s Defense Position
No Admission of Wrongdoing: The settlement agreement specifically states that Mount Sinai does not admit to any wrongdoing or liability in agreeing to resolve the case.
Technical Disagreements: Mount Sinai disputes that their Facebook pixel implementation actually transmitted protected health information to Facebook as alleged by plaintiffs.
Business Resolution: The hospital system emphasizes that the settlement represents a business decision to avoid the costs and uncertainties of continued litigation.
Settlement Agreement Details and Timeline
Mount Sinai Health System Inc. reached a settlement in principle over allegations it improperly shared medical data with Facebook, according to a Friday order that dismissed the case.
Key Settlement Timeline Events
Case Filing: The lawsuit was filed in 2023 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York as Case No. 1:23-cv-09485-PAE.
Preliminary Approval: On June 16, 2025, a District Court judge granted preliminary approval of a class action settlement in Cooper v. Mount Sinai Health System, Inc.
Final Hearing Schedule: A final approval hearing is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
Settlement Amount and Distribution
While the exact total settlement amount has not been publicly disclosed, the agreement provides for:
- Individual claim payments to eligible class members
- Payment of attorney fees and litigation costs
- Implementation of enhanced privacy protections
- Administrative costs for settlement distribution
Who Is Eligible for the Mount Sinai Class Action Settlement?
The settlement class definition is specific and includes patients who used Mount Sinai’s online services during a defined time period.
Eligibility Requirements
Primary Eligibility: All Mount Sinai MyChart account holders who logged into your MyChart account through https://mychart.mountsinai.org/ between October 27, 2020 and October 27, 2023 are potentially eligible for settlement benefits.
Geographic Scope: The settlement covers all eligible patients regardless of their current location, as long as they used the specified Mount Sinai online services during the class period.
No Proof of Harm Required: Eligible class members do not need to prove they suffered specific damages or harm to receive settlement benefits.
Excluded Parties
Certain individuals are excluded from the settlement class:
- Mount Sinai employees and their families
- Judges and court personnel handling the case
- Legal counsel for both parties
- Individuals who properly exclude themselves from the settlement
How to File a Claim in the Mount Sinai Settlement
Filing a claim for the Mount Sinai class action lawsuit settlement is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to specific deadlines and requirements.
Step-by-Step Claim Filing Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Settlement Website Go to the official settlement website at: https://www.mountsinaisettlement.com/
Step 2: Review Your Eligibility Verify that you logged into Mount Sinai MyChart during the eligible time period (October 27, 2020 to October 27, 2023).
Step 3: Complete the Claim Form Fill out the online claim form with accurate information including:
- Your name and contact information
- Details about your Mount Sinai MyChart account
- Date ranges when you used the patient portal
Step 4: Submit Required Documentation Provide any requested supporting documentation to verify your eligibility and MyChart usage.
Step 5: Submit Before Deadline Ensure your claim is submitted before the court-established deadline for filing claims.
Important Settlement Deadlines
Claim Filing Deadline: Check the official settlement website for the specific deadline to file your claim.
Objection Deadline: If you wish to object to the settlement, you must file objections by the court-established deadline.
Exclusion Deadline: To opt out of the settlement, you must submit exclusion requests by the specified date.
Understanding Your Settlement Payment Options
The Mount Sinai class action lawsuit settlement provides different options for how class members can receive their settlement benefits.
Potential Compensation Forms
Cash Payments: Eligible class members may receive monetary compensation based on their level of MyChart usage and potential exposure.
Credit Monitoring Services: Some settlements include free credit monitoring or identity protection services.
Privacy Protection Enhancements: Mount Sinai may implement additional privacy safeguards as part of the settlement agreement.
Factors Affecting Payment Amounts
Several factors may influence individual settlement payment amounts:
- Frequency of MyChart login sessions during the class period
- Types of information accessed through the patient portal
- Duration of account usage within the eligible timeframe
- Total number of valid claims filed by class members
Legal Significance of the Mount Sinai Case
The Mount Sinai class action lawsuit represents an important development in healthcare data privacy law and patient rights protection.
Broader Industry Implications
Facebook Pixel Litigation Trend: A federal judge largely denied Mount Sinai Health Systems Inc.’s motion to dismiss a proposed class action alleging it tracked and disclosed patients’ personal health information to Meta Platforms Inc.
Healthcare Privacy Standards: The case establishes important precedents for how healthcare providers must handle patient data when using third-party tracking technologies.
HIPAA Enforcement: The lawsuit highlights the intersection between HIPAA compliance and modern digital marketing practices used by hospitals and healthcare systems.
Impact on Healthcare Industry Practices
Technology Audits: Healthcare providers are increasingly conducting audits of their websites and patient portals to identify potentially problematic tracking technologies.
Privacy Policy Updates: Many hospitals are revising their privacy policies to better explain how patient data is collected and shared.
Third-Party Vendor Management: Healthcare systems are implementing stronger oversight of third-party technology vendors and their data handling practices.
Similar Healthcare Data Privacy Lawsuits
The Mount Sinai class action lawsuit is part of a broader trend of litigation targeting healthcare providers’ use of tracking technology.
Related Cases and Trends
Cedars-Sinai Lawsuit: A proposed class action lawsuit alleges Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles shared sensitive patient data to companies such as Meta and Google for targeted advertising.
Widespread Industry Issue: Patients are seeking damages on behalf of “millions” whose data was allegedly collected by Facebook through hospital webpages.
Regulatory Response: Healthcare privacy violations have prompted increased attention from federal regulators and state attorneys general.
Legal Strategies in Healthcare Privacy Cases
Class Action Benefits: A class action lawsuit allows large numbers of individuals to strengthen their case by joining together.
Technical Evidence: These cases often require extensive technical analysis of website code and data transmission practices.
Privacy Law Complexity: Attorneys must navigate complex intersections of HIPAA, state privacy laws, and federal consumer protection statutes.
Patient Rights and Privacy Protections
The Mount Sinai class action lawsuit highlights important patient rights regarding personal health information and digital privacy.
Understanding HIPAA Rights
Right to Notice: Patients have the right to know how their health information is used and shared.
Consent Requirements: Healthcare providers must obtain proper authorization before sharing patient data with third parties for non-treatment purposes.
Breach Notification: When unauthorized disclosure occurs, patients have the right to be notified of the breach and its potential impact.
Digital Privacy Best Practices for Patients
Review Privacy Policies: Regularly read and understand healthcare providers’ privacy policies and data handling practices.
Monitor Online Activity: Be aware of what information you access and share through patient portals and healthcare websites.
Question Data Sharing: Ask healthcare providers about their use of third-party tracking technologies and data sharing practices.
Useful Resources and Important Links
For readers seeking additional information and assistance with the Mount Sinai class action lawsuit settlement, here are essential resources:
Official Settlement Information
Mount Sinai Settlement Website: https://www.mountsinaisettlement.com/
- Official settlement information and claim filing portal
- Detailed eligibility requirements and settlement terms
- Frequently asked questions and important deadlines
Court Records Access:
- PACER: https://pacer.uscourts.gov/ (Case No. 1:23-cv-09485-PAE)
- Southern District of New York: https://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/
Legal Assistance and Representation
Class Action Attorneys:
- Almeida Law Group: https://www.almeidalawgroup.com/ (Plaintiff’s counsel in this case)
- Find local attorneys: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_services/flh-home/
Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services:
- Legal Services Corporation: https://www.lsc.gov/find-legal-aid
- American Bar Association Free Legal Help: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_services/flh-home/
Healthcare Privacy Resources
Patient Privacy Rights:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/index.html
- Patient Privacy Rights Foundation: https://patientprivacyrights.org/
File HIPAA Complaints:
- HHS Office for Civil Rights: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint/index.html
Consumer Protection and Data Privacy
Federal Trade Commission:
- Consumer Complaints: https://consumer.ftc.gov/
- Identity Theft Resources: https://www.identitytheft.gov/
State Attorney General Offices:
- National Association of Attorneys General: https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/
Healthcare Data Breach Information
HHS Breach Report Database:
- HIPAA Breach Reports: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf
Healthcare Data Security Resources:
- Healthcare Information Management Systems Society: https://www.himss.org/
Current Status and Next Steps for Class Members
As of 2025, the Mount Sinai class action lawsuit settlement is proceeding through the final approval process with specific deadlines for class member participation.
Immediate Action Items for Eligible Patients
File Your Claim: Visit https://www.mountsinaisettlement.com/ to submit your claim form before the deadline.
Review Settlement Terms: Carefully read all settlement documents to understand your rights and potential compensation.
Mark Your Calendar: Note the final approval hearing date of October 24, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
Decide on Participation: Determine whether to participate in the settlement, object to its terms, or exclude yourself from the class.
What to Expect Going Forward
Final Approval: The court will review objections and determine whether to grant final approval of the settlement agreement.
Payment Distribution: If approved, settlement payments will be distributed to class members who filed valid claims.
Privacy Improvements: Mount Sinai will implement any agreed-upon privacy protection enhancements.
Appeal Period: There may be a period for potential appeals following final court approval.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mount Sinai Class Action Lawsuit
What is the Mount Sinai class action lawsuit about?
The Mount Sinai class action lawsuit alleges that the hospital system improperly shared patient personal health information with Facebook through tracking pixels embedded on their MyChart patient portal and website between October 2020 and October 2023.
Who is eligible for the Mount Sinai settlement?
All Mount Sinai MyChart account holders who logged into their accounts through https://mychart.mountsinai.org/ between October 27, 2020 and October 27, 2023 are potentially eligible for settlement benefits.
How much money can I receive from the Mount Sinai settlement?
The specific payment amounts have not been publicly disclosed and will depend on factors such as the total number of claims filed and individual usage patterns during the class period.
How do I file a claim in the Mount Sinai settlement?
Visit the official settlement website at https://www.mountsinaisettlement.com/ to complete and submit your claim form before the court-established deadline.
What information was allegedly shared with Facebook?
Plaintiffs alleged that Facebook’s tracking pixel collected personal health information including login details, appointment information, and potentially health conditions accessed through the MyChart portal.
Does Mount Sinai admit wrongdoing in the settlement?
No, Mount Sinai specifically denies all allegations and maintains that no medical information was shared with Facebook. The settlement represents a business decision to resolve the litigation without admission of liability.
When is the final approval hearing for the settlement?
The final approval hearing is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Can I opt out of the Mount Sinai class action settlement?
Yes, eligible class members have the right to exclude themselves from the settlement by following the opt-out procedures and deadlines specified in the settlement agreement.
What happens if I don’t file a claim?
If you don’t file a claim, you won’t receive any monetary compensation from the settlement, but you will still be bound by the settlement terms and unable to pursue individual legal action.
Are there similar lawsuits against other hospitals?
Yes, numerous hospitals and healthcare providers are facing similar class action lawsuits over the use of Facebook pixel tracking technology that allegedly shared patient data.
How long will it take to receive settlement payments?
Settlement payments will be distributed after final court approval and resolution of any appeals, which could take several months to over a year depending on the legal process.
What privacy improvements will Mount Sinai make?
The specific privacy enhancements are detailed in the settlement agreement and may include changes to website tracking practices, privacy policies, and data handling procedures.
Expert Legal Analysis and Industry Impact
Legal experts and healthcare privacy professionals view the Mount Sinai class action lawsuit as a significant development in the evolving landscape of healthcare data protection.
Legal Precedent Implications
Tracking Technology Liability: The settlement establishes that healthcare providers can face significant legal liability for implementing third-party tracking technologies without proper patient consent and data protection measures.
Class Certification Standards: The case demonstrates that courts are willing to certify broad classes of patients affected by systematic data sharing practices, even without proof of individual harm.
Settlement Value Considerations: The willingness of Mount Sinai to settle suggests that healthcare providers recognize the substantial risks associated with patient data privacy violations.
Healthcare Industry Response
Technology Audit Increases: Healthcare organizations nationwide are conducting comprehensive audits of their websites, patient portals, and third-party integrations to identify potential privacy risks.
Legal Compliance Programs: Hospitals are investing in enhanced legal compliance programs specifically focused on digital privacy and third-party vendor management.
Industry Best Practices: Professional organizations are developing new best practice guidelines for healthcare providers using digital marketing and analytics tools.
Regulatory Environment Changes
Increased Enforcement: Federal and state regulators are showing increased willingness to investigate and penalize healthcare data privacy violations.
Guidance Updates: The Department of Health and Human Services has issued updated guidance on healthcare providers’ use of tracking technologies and third-party data sharing.
State Law Developments: Several states are considering or have enacted enhanced healthcare privacy laws that go beyond federal HIPAA requirements.
Prevention and Protection Strategies for Healthcare Organizations
The Mount Sinai class action lawsuit offers important lessons for healthcare providers seeking to avoid similar legal challenges while maintaining effective digital operations.
Technology Implementation Best Practices
Privacy by Design: Implement privacy protection measures from the initial design phase of websites and patient portals rather than as an afterthought.
Vendor Due Diligence: Conduct thorough privacy and security assessments of all third-party technology vendors before implementation.
Data Minimization: Collect and share only the minimum amount of patient data necessary for legitimate business purposes.
Legal Compliance Framework
Regular Privacy Audits: Conduct comprehensive privacy audits at least annually to identify and address potential data sharing risks.
Staff Training Programs: Implement regular training for all staff involved in website management, digital marketing, and patient data handling.
Incident Response Plans: Develop and regularly test incident response plans for potential data breaches or privacy violations.
Patient Communication Strategies
Transparent Privacy Policies: Maintain clear, comprehensive privacy policies that accurately describe data collection, use, and sharing practices.
Consent Management: Implement robust consent management systems that give patients meaningful choices about their data sharing preferences.
Breach Notification Procedures: Establish clear procedures for notifying patients promptly and completely about any potential privacy incidents.
Long-Term Implications for Healthcare Privacy
The Mount Sinai class action lawsuit represents part of a broader transformation in how healthcare privacy law is interpreted and enforced in the digital age.
Evolution of Healthcare Privacy Rights
Enhanced Patient Control: Patients are gaining greater legal recognition of their rights to control how their health information is used for non-medical purposes.
Technology-Specific Protections: Privacy laws are evolving to address specific challenges posed by digital tracking technologies, social media integration, and data analytics.
Cross-Industry Standards: Healthcare privacy standards are increasingly being influenced by broader consumer privacy laws and regulations.
Future Legal Developments
Federal Legislation: Congress may consider comprehensive healthcare data privacy legislation that goes beyond current HIPAA protections.
State Privacy Laws: More states are likely to enact healthcare-specific privacy laws that provide enhanced patient protections.
International Influence: Global privacy regulations like GDPR are influencing U.S. healthcare privacy standards and legal interpretations.
Industry Transformation
Privacy-First Operations: Healthcare organizations are increasingly adopting privacy-first operational approaches that prioritize patient data protection over marketing and analytics benefits.
Technology Innovation: The healthcare technology industry is developing new tools and approaches that enable effective digital operations while maintaining strict privacy protections.
Compliance Investment: Healthcare organizations are significantly increasing investments in privacy compliance, legal counsel, and risk management programs.
Conclusion: Understanding Your Rights and Taking Action
The Mount Sinai class action lawsuit settlement represents a significant victory for patient privacy rights and demonstrates the legal system’s growing recognition of healthcare data protection as a fundamental patient right. For eligible class members, this settlement provides both financial compensation and important privacy protections.
If you used Mount Sinai’s MyChart patient portal between October 27, 2020 and October 27, 2023, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options under this settlement. The claims process requires proactive participation, and missing deadlines could result in forfeiture of your potential compensation.
The broader implications of this case extend far beyond Mount Sinai and individual settlement payments. This lawsuit is part of a fundamental shift in how healthcare privacy is understood, enforced, and protected in our increasingly digital healthcare system. Patients are gaining stronger legal protections, while healthcare providers face greater accountability for their data handling practices.
For healthcare organizations, the Mount Sinai case serves as a clear warning that patient data privacy violations can result in significant legal and financial consequences. The settlement emphasizes the importance of implementing comprehensive privacy protection measures, conducting regular compliance audits, and maintaining transparent communication with patients about data handling practices.
The healthcare industry’s growing use of digital technologies, from patient portals to telehealth platforms to marketing analytics, makes privacy protection more complex but also more critical than ever before. The Mount Sinai class action lawsuit demonstrates that courts and patients are holding healthcare providers accountable for protecting personal health information in all digital contexts.
As this case moves toward final approval and payment distribution, it will likely influence similar litigation nationwide and shape the future of healthcare privacy law. For patients, this represents an opportunity not only for potential compensation but also for enhanced privacy protections and greater control over personal health information.
Whether you’re an eligible class member seeking compensation or simply someone concerned about healthcare data privacy, the Mount Sinai class action lawsuit settlement provides important insights into your rights and the evolving landscape of patient privacy protection in the digital age.
This article provides legal information for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. Individuals affected by the Mount Sinai class action lawsuit should review the official settlement documents and consult with qualified legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics โ from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions โ all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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