Mount Sinai Health to pay $5.3 million in settlement over alleged Facebook data sharing

Mount Sinai Health System, New York City’s largest hospital network, has agreed to pay $5.3 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it improperly shared the personal health information of patients and website visitors with Facebook.

The lawsuit, Cooper, et al., v. Mount Sinai Health System, Inc., was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by four plaintiffs who claimed their data was transmitted to Facebook through the use of Meta’s Pixel and Conversions API on Mount Sinai’s website and MyChart patient portal. The alleged activity took place between October 2020 and October 2023.

Plaintiffs argued that the tools collected and disclosed identifiable health information without consent, violating the federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act and New York’s Deceptive Trade Practices law. Additional claims included negligence, invasion of privacy, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and breach of implied contract.

Mount Sinai has denied wrongdoing and maintains that no medical information was shared with Facebook. However, after the lawsuit survived a motion to dismiss and entered discovery, both sides agreed to mediation. The settlement was reached to avoid the costs and risks of trial while providing compensation to affected individuals.

The settlement class covers 1.3 million people who logged into their MyChart account through mountsinai.org during the three-year period in question. Mount Sinai will establish a $5,256,588 fund to cover class member claims, legal fees, and administrative costs. Plaintiffs’ attorneys may receive up to 35 percent of the fund plus reimbursement of expenses, while each named plaintiff will receive a $2,500 service award. The remainder will be distributed on a pro rata basis to class members who submit valid claims.

Individuals who wish to opt out, object, or file a claim have until October 14, 2025. A final approval hearing is scheduled for October 24, 2025. If approved, settlement payments will be made following court authorization and the completion of administrative procedures.